What is the definition or description of: aspiration?

More than one : 1. The removal of a gas or fluid by suction. 2. The sucking of fluid or a foreign body into the airway when drawing breath. 3. A surgical technique used in the treatment of cataracts of the eye, in which an incision is made into the cornea, the lens capsule is severed, and the material of the lens is fragmented and aspirated by a needle.

Airway: It is also a term used frequently if foreign material is allowed to enter the airway of a patient and get into their lungs.

Aspiration pneumonia: Aspiration is the inhalation of a liquid or solid into the airways, which may occur when the swallowing mechanism fails to protect the airway. Aspiration commonly leads to pneumonia.