peak flow meter

noun

: a device that measures the maximum rate of air flow out of the lungs during forced expiration and that is used especially for monitoring lung capacity of asthmatics

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web It can be done during spirometry or by breathing into a separate device, called a peak flow meter. —

Kimberly Goad, SELF, 11 Nov. 2021 Asthmatics should use peak flow meters, devices that measure the strength of a breath, to monitor how well their airways are staying open, Rizzo said. —

Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 21 Apr. 2020 Low readings on a peak flow meter, a different portable device that measures lung capacity, can also be a sign of an asthma attack, the Mayo Clinic says. —

Korin Miller, SELF, 1 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peak flow meter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of peak flow meter was in 1962

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Peak flow meter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peak%20flow%20meter. Accessed 27 Jan. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

peak flow meter

noun

ˌpēk-ˈflō-

: a device that measures the maximum rate of air flow out of the lungs during forced expiration and that is used especially for monitoring lung capacity of individuals with asthma (as to indicate bronchial narrowing)

called also peak expiratory flow meter