respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
plural respirators
1
: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (such as dusts, fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to such a respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2
: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator sense b

Examples of respirator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But if measures such as improving ventilation and dust control don’t get lead levels below the state limit, employees must be protected with respirators as well. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024 The respirator got her through the worst of the pneumonia. Maria Kefalas, STAT, 22 Dec. 2023 The Consumer segment provides consumer bandages, braces, supports, and consumer respirators; cleaning products for the home; retail abrasives, paint accessories, car care D.I.Y. products, picture hanging, and consumer air quality solutions; and stationery products. Joe Cornell, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Pictures attached to the complaint that prosecutors allege depict Ayala show the hood drawn tight and a 3M-style respirator mask covering almost his entire face. Tom Jackman, Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2024 Use protective gear, including a respirator, to protect against dangerous contact and fumes. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2024 With little protections for workers, regulations that aren’t enforced, and workplaces so dusty even high-quality respirators can’t help protect lungs, some of these workers are dying in their 30s or 40s. Stat Staff, STAT, 29 Dec. 2023 The three baby girls were born premature, at 31 weeks, on Aug. 24 and put on respirators. Richard Engel, NBC News, 6 Dec. 2023 The Biden administration is imposing such a requirement under the Defense Production Act, a 1950 law most closely associated with wartime—and notably used early in the COVID pandemic to boost domestic supplies of N95 respirators. Lauren Leffer, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'respirator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of respirator was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near respirator

Cite this Entry

“Respirator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respirator. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

respirator

noun
res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
1
: a device covering the mouth and nose especially to prevent the breathing in of harmful substances (as dust or fumes)
2
: a device used to maintain artificial respiration

Medical Definition

respirator

noun
res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
1
: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (as dusts, chemical fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to a particulate respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2
: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator

More from Merriam-Webster on respirator

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