respiratory
Respiratory (adj) means relating to breathing or to the organs involved in breathing. Example: “The flu can lead to serious respiratory problems in older adults.”
How to use respiratory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with the lungs and breathing.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The flu can lead to serious _____ problems in older adults.
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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