Cough
A cough ( pronunciation Latin: tussis), is a sudden and often repetitively occurring reflex which helps to clear the large breathing passages from secretions, irritants, foreign particles and microbes. The cough reflex consists of three phases: an inhalation, a forced exhalation against a closed glottis, and a violent release of air from the lungs following opening of the glottis, usually accompanied by a distinctive sound. Coughing can happen voluntarily as well as involuntarily.
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Famous quotes containing the word cough:
“He sits, strong and blunt as a Celtic cross,
Clearly used to silence and an armchair:
Tonight the wife and children will be quiet
At slammed door and smokers cough in the hall.”
—Seamus Heaney (b. 1939)
“All, men my madmen, the unwholesome wind
With whistlers cough contages, time on track
Shapes in a cinder death; love for his trick,
Happy Cadavers hunger as you take
The kissproof world.”
—Dylan Thomas (19141953)
“The whole LSD, STP, marijuana, heroin, hashish, prescription cough medicine crowd suffers from the Watchtower itch: you gotta be with us, man, or youre out, youre dead. This pitch is a continual and seeming MUST with those who use the stuff. Its no wonder they keep getting busted.”
—Charles Bukowski (b. 1920)