Respiration
Definition
The process by which animals and plants use up stored foods (mostly complex carbohydrates) by combustion with oxygen to produce energy for body maintenance.
Source
Glossary. M.S. Ashton et al. (eds.), Managing Forest Carbon in a Changing Climate, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-2232-3, © Springer Science+ Business Media B.V. 2012
Alternative definition
A process in plants involving the breakdown of carbon-containing compounds (maintenance or growth respiration) or competitive reactions during photosynthesis (photorespiration) resulting in the release of carbon dioxide.
Alternative source
FAO Language Resources Project, 2005; IUFRO, Vienna, 2005.