respirator

[res-puh-rey-ter]

noun

1. a masklike device, usually of nonwoven fibrous materials, as fiberglass paper, wool felt, or polypropylene, worn over the mouth, or nose and mouth, to prevent the inhalation of noxious substances, pathogens, or the like.

   Respirators are essential protective equipment for healthcare providers during an outbreak.

2. Medicine/Medical.,  ventilator.

3. British.,  gas mask.

respirator

/ ˈrɛspəˌreɪtə /

noun

1. an apparatus for providing long-term artificial respiration

2. Also called: gas mask. a device worn over the mouth and nose to prevent inhalation of noxious fumes or to warm cold air before it is breathed

Word History and Origins

Origin of respirator¹

First recorded in 1835–40; from Latin respīrāt(us), past participle of respīrāre “to recover one's breath” + -or agent suffix; respire, -or ²

Example Sentences

Wearing white hazmat suits that cover them from head to toe, gloves, respirator masks and goggles, a group of workers enters the residence.

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In white coverall suits and full-face respirators, hazmat workers went property by property sifting through the ashes to dredge up lead-acid batteries, tins of paint thinner and pesticide canisters.

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The researchers wore respirators while working near the river.

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One category of threatened regulations applies to standards for respirators and filters to screen out workplace pollutants including asbestos, arsenic and lead.

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The research team, which included scientists from UC San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, wore respirators and protective gear while collecting samples near the Tijuana River.

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