irrespirable

[ ih-res-per-uh-buh l, ir-i-spahyuh r-uh-buh l ]

/ ɪˈrɛs pər ə bəl, ˌɪr ɪˈspaɪər ə bəl /

adjective

not respirable; unfit for breathing.

Nearby words

irresoluble, irresolute, irresolution, irresolvable, irrespective, irrespirable, irresponsible, irresponsive, irresuscitable, irretentive, irretraceable

Origin of irrespirable

From the Late Latin word irrespīrābilis, dating back to 1815–25. See ir-², respirable

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for irrespirable

The term applied by miners to carbonic anhydride (carbonic acid) and other irrespirable gases and vapours evolved in mines.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
Of or like azote, or containing it or formed from it; irrespirable; destructive to life.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
The burning of sulphur produces sulphurous acid, which is an irrespirable gas.
A Practical Physiology|Albert F. Blaisdell
Against the irrespirable air which at first enveloped it, vegetables were its saviours.
The Bird|Jules Michelet

British Dictionary definitions for irrespirable

irrespirable

/ (ɪˈrɛspɪrəbəl, ˌɪrɪˈspaɪərəbəl) /

adjective

not fit for breathing or incapable of being breathed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012