respirator

American  

[res-puh-rey-ter] / ˈrɛs pəˌreɪ tər /

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.

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respirator British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of respirator

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

Compare meaning

How does respirator compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ventilator vs. respirator

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers wore respirators while working near the river.

From Los Angeles Times

The department proposes to eliminate requirements that workers exposed to occupational pollutants be medically evaluated to ensure that their respirators fit properly and don’t cause health problems on their own.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times