ventilator

noun

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ven·ti·la·tor | \ ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər

plural ventilators

Definition of ventilator

: 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.

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Example Sentences Phrases Containing ventilator Learn More About ventilator

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Examples of ventilator in a Sentence

The patient was put on a ventilator.

Recent Examples on the Web The kids’ mother had gone into the hospital with covid and was quickly put on a ventilator. — Anchorage Daily News, 8 May 2022 On March 30, Lisa Holt was at her job teaching middle school when the hospital called to say her husband needed to be placed on a ventilator. — Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 29 Apr. 2022 His brother died first, then his father passed away while Hussain was on a ventilator. — Danica Kirka, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2022 Prior studies have also found that people with diabetes are more likely to have severe illness, spend more time in the ICU and are more likely to be put on a ventilator. — Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, 4 Apr. 2022 In September 2020, Sloan took a hit to the head during a game and was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on a ventilator. — Catherine Garcia, The Week, 31 Mar. 2022 Cognitive impairments were even worse for those who had been put on a ventilator while they were infected, researchers found. — Madeline Halpert, Forbes, 3 May 2022 She was put on a ventilator several months after her birth after going into respiratory arrest, the hospital has said. — Jamie Stengle, Chron, 13 Apr. 2022 On Monday, Baby Oaklynn Koon — who had initially survived the event — was taken off a ventilator by her family and died after suffering brain swelling as a result of her injuries, ABC affiliate WHAS11 reported. — Greta Bjornson, PEOPLE.com, 14 Dec. 2021 See More

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

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Dictionary Entries Near ventilator

ventilative

ventilator

ventilatory

Statistics for ventilator

Last Updated

19 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Ventilator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventilator. Accessed 25 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for ventilator

ventilator

noun

ven·ti·la·tor | \ ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər

Kids Definition of ventilator

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

ventilator

noun

ven·ti·la·tor | \ ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər

Medical Definition of ventilator

: 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