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noun

respirator

Respirator (noun) means a mask or device worn over the nose and mouth to filter out harmful particles or fumes from the air. Example: “Construction workers wore respirators to avoid inhaling dust.”

noun
1
A mask or device worn over the nose and mouth to filter out harmful particles or fumes from the air.
"Construction workers wore respirators to avoid inhaling dust."
2
A medical machine that helps a person breathe when they cannot do so unassisted.
"The patient was placed on a respirator after the surgery."

How to use respirator

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a protective breathing mask, or a machine that breathes for a patient.

Common mistake

Don't confuse a medical respirator (a life-support machine) with a simple dust/particle mask, though both share the name.

Easily confused with

Word forms

respirators plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Construction workers wore _____ to avoid inhaling dust.

Etymology

From respirate ("to breathe") plus the agent suffix -or, "thing that helps one breathe."

gasmask inhalator gas helmet

Related words

Rhymes for respirator

See all rhymes for respirator →

Frequently asked questions

What does “respirator” mean?

The word “respirator” means a mask or device worn over the nose and mouth to filter out harmful particles or fumes from the air. In plain terms, either a protective breathing mask, or a machine that breathes for a patient.

How do you use “respirator” in a sentence?

Here is “respirator” used in a sentence: “Construction workers wore respirators to avoid inhaling dust.”

What part of speech is “respirator”?

“Respirator” is a noun.

How many meanings does “respirator” have?

“Respirator” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mask or device worn over the nose and mouth to filter out harmful particles or fumes from the air.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial