respirable

adjective

re·​spi·​ra·​ble ˈre-sp(ə-)rə-bəl  ri-ˈspī-rə- 

: fit for breathing

also : capable of being taken in by breathing

respirable particles of ash

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

At concrete batch plants, respirable crystalline silica can come from cement and fly ash, a powder used in producing cement. —Elena Bruess, San Antonio Express-News, 17 Sep. 2021

Although last year with the rule in effect, government reports indicated that respirable dust levels fell to historic lows. —Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, 25 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

respirable

adjective

re·​spi·​ra·​ble ˈres-p(ə-)rə-bəl  ri-ˈspī-rə- 

1

: fit for breathing

respirable air

2

: capable of being taken in by breathing

respirable particles of ash