respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər 

plural respirators

1

: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (such as dusts, fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to such a respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator sense b

Examples of respirator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Five people are hospitalized and on respirators after eating pesto that may be contaminated with the potentially deadly bacteria that causes botulism. —Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024

For those tackling cleaning their homes without professional help, the CDC recommends wearing an N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2024

Workers urged to wear N95 respirators, face shields Health officials recommend livestock workers wear personal protective equipment, including N95 respirators, goggles, face shields and gloves. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024

Patients on artificial respirators are suffering ... —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər 

1

: a device covering the mouth and nose especially to prevent the breathing in of harmful substances (as dust or fumes)

2

: a device used to maintain artificial respiration

Medical Definition

respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər 

1

: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (as dusts, chemical fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to a particulate respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator