vaporizer

American  

[vey-puh-rahy-zer] / ˈveɪ pəˌraɪ zər /

noun

1. a person or thing that vaporizes.

2. a device for turning liquid into vapor, as an atomizer, especially one that converts a medicinal substance into a vapor that is inhaled for respiratory relief.

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vaporizer British  

/ ˈveɪpəˌraɪzə /

noun

1. a substance that vaporizes or a device that causes vaporization

2. med a device that produces steam or atomizes medication for inhalation

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Etymology

Origin of vaporizer

First recorded in 1840–50; vaporize + -er ¹

Explanation

In medicine, a vaporizer is a machine that distributes medication in the form of a gas that a patient inhales. It's also another name for a humidifier, a device that increases moisture in the air. A vapor is a gas, and the job of a vaporizer is to create vapor. A child who's badly congested might need to breathe the warm steam of a home vaporizer to ease a cough. And a patient preparing for surgery often inhales their anesthesia through a mask with the aid of a vaporizer. The word comes from the Latin root vaporem, "a warm exhalation" or "steam."

Example Sentences

It's the simplest dry herb vaporizer to refill between sessions, features the largest oven size in its class, and has user-friendly presets.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

A family member lit a vaporizer full of essential oils.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2019

Chris Harihar, a spokesman for VMR Products, the largest independent vaporizer brand in the U.S, said he was not authorized to comment on Wednesday.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2017

Bottura decided to test his theory by using the vaporizer he is now holding to exhale cheese.

From New York Times • Oct. 17, 2016

I undressed again, refilled the vaporizer where it was hissing on its small spirit-stove, and climbed back into bed.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• aerosol
• sprayer
• sprinkler