pulse oximeter

noun

plural pulse oximeters
: a noninvasive medical device that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating arterial blood in an individual by determining the percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin pulsating through a network of blood capillaries by way of a sensor attached typically to a finger, toe, or earlobe
Your pulse oximeter will give you a numerical reading—a percentage that indicates the level of oxygen saturation in your blood.Tara Parker-Pope

Examples of pulse oximeter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web According to the Cleveland Clinic, a normal pulse oximeter reading for a person's oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%. Evan Frank, The Indianapolis Star, 25 Jan. 2024 The Covid pandemic helped raise awareness that pulse oximeters — the fingertip devices used to measure a patient’s pulse and oxygen levels — are less accurate for people with dark skin. Liz Szabo | Kff Health News, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2024 In 2018, Masimo filed a complaint against True Wearables over claims its wireless pulse oximeter infringed on Masimo’s patent. Emma Roth, The Verge, 28 Dec. 2023 In 2013, Masimo, a health tech company based in Irvine, Calif., developed a mobile pulse oximeter (a sensor for tracking oxygen levels in your blood) that could be paired for use with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Chris Velazco, Washington Post, 19 Dec. 2023 Apple has included a pulse oximeter feature in smartwatches since its Series 6 Apple Watch in 2020. Reuters, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2024 In October, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld a January ruling that Apple Watches with pulse oximeter features infringe on two Masimo patents. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2023 Research dating back to 1990 found that inaccurate pulse oximeter readings were more common in Black patients than non-Black ones. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 When asked why the watches aren't less expensive without pulse oximeter functionality, Apple's rep said that pricing isn't based on a single feature. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 18 Jan. 2024

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

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulse oximeter was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near pulse oximeter

Cite this Entry

“Pulse oximeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulse%20oximeter. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

pulse oximeter

noun
: a noninvasive medical device that utilizes spectrophotometry to measure the oxygen saturation of circulating arterial blood in an individual by determining the percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin pulsating through a network of blood capillaries by way of a sensor attached typically to a finger, toe, or earlobe

Note: The pulse oximeter typically sounds an alarm if the blood saturation becomes less than optimal.

Pulse oximeters measure hemoglobin oxygen saturation via an external probe. The light of two varying wavelengths passes through the skin, and the difference in absorbance by arterial blood of these two wavelengths by the photodetector within the pulse oximeter is used to calculate the level of oxygenation.Pediatric Emergency Medicine Reports
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!