respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər 

plural respirators

1

: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (such as dusts, fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to such a respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator sense b

Examples of respirator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those who must be outside, wearing the proper respirator mask can help reduce exposure to harmful particles. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

For those sensitive to dust and smoke, snug-fitting N95 respirator masks have filters designed to block the tiny particles. —Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

The men are wearing shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops—no respirators or other safety gear in sight. —Vince Beiser, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

Five people are hospitalized and on respirators after eating pesto that may be contaminated with the potentially deadly bacteria that causes botulism. —Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər 

1

: a device covering the mouth and nose especially to prevent the breathing in of harmful substances (as dust or fumes)

2

: a device used to maintain artificial respiration

Medical Definition

respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər 

1

: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (as dusts, chemical fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to a particulate respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator