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iron lung
noun
: a device for artificial respiration in which rhythmic alternations in the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest force air into and out of the lungs
Examples of iron lung in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On this day in 1928: The iron lung was first used on this day at the Boston Children’s Hospital.
—The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
An iron lung helps a young boy with polio to breathe, c. 1955.
—Jon Lapook, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2024
The girl’s parents agreed to experimental treatment with Dr. Stahlman, who pulled the iron lung out of storage in the basement.
—Matt Schudel, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
Then there was the pianist who was rolled onstage in an iron lung and the local official who was a patient of the chinodonist and wore a ridiculous headgear to fix his underbite.
—Peter White, Deadline, 28 June 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near iron lung
Cite this Entry
“Iron lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iron%20lung. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
iron lung
noun
: a device for artificial respiration in which the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest changes in a rhythm and forces air into and out of the lungs
Medical Definition
iron lung
noun
: a device for artificial respiration in which rhythmic alternations in the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest force air into and out of the lungs especially when the nerves governing the chest muscles fail to function because of polio
called also Drinker respirator
More from Merriam-Webster on iron lung
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about iron lung
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