Yawn

A yawn is a reflex of simultaneous inhalation of air and stretching of the eardrums, followed by exhalation of breath. Pandiculation is the act of yawning and stretching simultaneously.

Famous quotes containing the word yawn:

“A yawn is more disconcerting than a contradiction.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

“Pardon, goddess of the night,
Those that slew thy virgin knight,
For the which, with songs of woe,
Round about her tomb they go.
Midnight, assist our moan;
Help us to sigh and groan,
Heavily, heavily.
Graves, yawn and yield your dead,
Till death be uttered,
Heavily, heavily.
Now unto thy bones good night!
Yearly will I do this rite.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)