ventilator

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər 

plural ventilators

: something or someone that ventilates: such as

a

: a device for introducing fresh air or expelling foul or stagnant air

b

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration

especially : a mechanized device that enables the delivery or movement of air and oxygen into the lungs of a patient whose breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate : mechanical ventilator

Note: Modern, computerized mechanical ventilators typically monitor and customize gas delivery, maintain a constant pressure in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, and deliver air and oxygen to the lungs by way of an endotracheal tube.

Examples of ventilator in a Sentence

The patient was put on a ventilator.

Recent Examples on the Web

When the University of Maine’s balloon launches, teams on the ground will operate an on-board ventilator, which will add or remove air to control its height. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

Around 20 billion medical devices used in the United States, including ventilators, syringes and catheters, are sterilized with ethylene oxide (EtO) every year. —Laura Coburn, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2024

Then, someone removes the tube from her ventilator and points it at the dessert, which blows it out. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

The Gazan authorities said that at least 13 patients had died as a result of the raid because they were deprived of medicine and treatment, or when their ventilators stopped working after the Israelis cut the electricity. —Ameera Harouda, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024

Jisoo moved to two other hospital facilities before eventually being weaned off the ventilator. —Michelle Brunner, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024

Though connected to a ventilator for four days, the boy ultimately died. —Omar Rodríguez Ortiz, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

The latter firefighter has been taken off a ventilator, Scott said. —Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2024

In order to leave the house with Lennie, Ashlee and Clint have to bring an oxygen tank — there are four lined up in the living room — to take the place of the home ventilator that pumps air into her lungs. —Gina Kolata Kim Raff, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ventilate + -or entry 1 (perhaps after Latin ventilātor "winnower")

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ventilator

• mechanical ventilator

Kids Definition

ventilator

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər 

1

: a device for letting in fresh air or driving out bad or stale air

2

: respirator sense 2

Medical Definition

ventilator

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər 

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration

especially : a mechanized device that enables the delivery or movement of air and oxygen into the lungs of a patient whose breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate : mechanical ventilator

Note: Modern, computerized mechanical ventilators typically monitor and customize gas delivery, maintain a constant pressure in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, and deliver air and oxygen to the lungs by way of an endotracheal tube.