respiratory
rih-SPIH-ruht-uh-ree
Respiratory (adj) means relating to breathing or to the organs involved in breathing. Example: “Smoking can damage the respiratory system over many years.”
adj
1
Relating to breathing or to the organs involved in breathing.
"Smoking can damage the respiratory system over many years."
"The vaccine would be the first to protect babies from respiratory syncytial virus, or R.S.V., which is the reason many infants are admitted to children’s hospitals each year and kills several hundred under 5 each year."
— Christina Jewett, F.D.A. Panel Recommends R.S.V. Vaccine to Protect Young Infants (2023)
"The flu can lead to serious respiratory problems in older adults."
"She was diagnosed with a chronic respiratory condition."
How to use respiratory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with the lungs and breathing.
Common pairings
respiratory system
respiratory infection
respiratory failure
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Etymology
From New Latin respiratorius, related to respirare, "to breathe."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for respiratory
See all rhymes for respiratory →Frequently asked questions
What does “respiratory” mean?
The word “respiratory” means relating to breathing or to the organs involved in breathing. In plain terms, to do with the lungs and breathing.
How do you pronounce “respiratory”?
“Respiratory” is pronounced rih-SPIH-ruht-uh-ree (/ˈɹɛs.pəɹ.əˌtɔɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “respiratory” in a sentence?
Here is “respiratory” used in a sentence: “The flu can lead to serious respiratory problems in older adults.”
What part of speech is “respiratory”?
“Respiratory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “respiratory” come from?
The word “respiratory” comes from New Latin. From New Latin respiratorius, related to respirare, "to breathe.".
Is “respiratory” a common word?
“Respiratory” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What does "respiratory" refer to in medicine?
In medicine, "respiratory" relates to breathing or to the organs involved in breathing, such as the lungs, trachea, and bronchi. It is commonly used in terms like respiratory system, respiratory infection, and respiratory illness.
What is the difference between "respiratory" and "pulmonary"?
"Respiratory" broadly relates to breathing and the entire system of organs involved in that process, while "pulmonary" specifically relates to the lungs alone. Respiratory is therefore the more general term, encompassing the airways as well as the lungs.
What are common respiratory illnesses?
Common respiratory illnesses include the common cold, influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia, all of which affect breathing or the organs involved in it. These conditions can range from mild and short-lived to serious and chronic.
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