oxygenator

noun

ox·​y·​gen·​a·​tor ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce oxygenator (audio) äk-ˈsi-jə- How to pronounce oxygenator (audio)
: one that oxygenates
specifically : an apparatus that oxygenates the blood extracorporeally (as during open-heart surgery)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The researchers got around this problem by simply allowing the lamb hearts and lungs to circulate the fluid themselves with an oxygenator that added very little resistance to the system. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2017 The specialized heart-lung bypass machine removes blood from the body and runs it through an oxygenator before pumping it back in. Marika Gerken, CNN, 21 Nov. 2020 Called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, the technique siphons blood out of the patient, runs it through an oxygenator and pumps it back into the body. Pam Belluck, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2020 In mid-February, North Korea quietly reached out to international organizations and nonprofits requesting assistance such as diagnostic test kits, protective gear and equipment, including ventilators and oxygenators. Victoria Kim, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2020 The previous occupant of White’s cell needed oxygen, and a short extension cord was used to plug the oxygenator into an outlet in the cell, DiSalvo said. Jason Auslander, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2019 After about a week, the oxygenator gradually failed and the patient lost consciousness and died, Truog said. Melissa Bailey, USA TODAY, 17 June 2019 Basically, the blood is drained out of the right side of the body, goes to an oxygenator, then is pumped to the other side of the body to provide circulatory support. Caitlin Dwyer, Longreads, 25 July 2019 This season is also taking a page from The Expanse in examining some of the practicalities of waging war across planets, with oxygenators that let soldiers breathe in thin atmosphere proving to be the most strategic resource. Samantha Nelson, The Verge, 12 June 2019 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oxygenator.' 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

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oxygenator was circa 1864

Dictionary Entries Near oxygenator

Cite this Entry

“Oxygenator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxygenator. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

oxygenator

noun
ox·​y·​gen·​ator ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnāt-ər How to pronounce oxygenator (audio) äk-ˈsij-ə- How to pronounce oxygenator (audio)
: one that oxygenates
specifically : an apparatus that oxygenates the blood extracorporeally (as during open-heart surgery)

More from Merriam-Webster on oxygenator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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