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respirator

noun res·pi·ra·tor \ ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər \
|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of respirator

1 : a device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory tract by filtering out dangerous substances (such as dusts or fumes) from inhaled air
2 : a device for maintaining artificial respiration

See respirator defined for English-language learners

See respirator defined for kids

Examples of respirator in a Sentence

  1. The doctors put her on a respirator.

Recent Examples of respirator from the Web

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

First Known Use of respirator

1836

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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RESPIRATOR Defined for English Language Learners

respirator

noun

Definition of respirator for English Language Learners

  • : a device that you wear over your mouth and nose so that you can breathe when there is a lot of dust, smoke, etc., in the air

  • medical : a device that helps people to breathe when they are not able to breathe naturally

RESPIRATOR Defined for Kids

respirator

noun res·pi·ra·tor \ ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər \

Definition of respirator for Students

1 : a device covering the mouth or nose especially to prevent the breathing in of harmful substances (as dust or fumes)
2 : a device used for helping a person to breathe

Medical Dictionary

respirator

noun res·pi·ra·tor \ ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər \

medical Definition of respirator

1 : a device (as a gas mask) worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (as dust or fumes) from inhaled air
2 : a device for maintaining artificial respiration
  • a mechanical respirator
— called also ventilator

Learn More about respirator

  1. See words that rhyme with respirator Spanish Central: Translation of respirator Nglish: Translation of respirator for Spanish speakers

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