Nebulize: meaning, definitions and examples

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nebulize

 

[ˈnɛbjʊˌlaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

medical treatment

To convert a liquid into a fine spray or mist, typically for inhalation.

Synonyms

atomize, mist, spray.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nebulize

Typically used in medical contexts, especially when referring to converting liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation.

  • The doctor prescribed a device to nebulize the medication for his asthma treatment.
  • She uses a machine to nebulize her allergy medicine every morning.
atomize

Often used in scientific or industrial settings to describe breaking a liquid into tiny droplets or particles.

  • The new technology can efficiently atomize fuel for better combustion.
  • It's important to atomize the paint properly to get a smooth finish.
spray

Widely used in both everyday and technical contexts to describe dispersing liquid in the form of fine droplets over an area.

  • He used a hose to spray water over the garden.
  • They applied the pesticide by spray to protect the crops.
mist

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a light spray of liquid in the air, often for cooling or moisturizing; also can refer to natural occurrences like morning mist.

  • She likes to mist her plants to keep the leaves moist.
  • A cool mist filled the garden at dawn.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor decided to nebulize the medication for better absorption.
  • She uses a nebulizer to nebulize the asthma medication.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term derives from the Latin word 'nebula,' meaning 'mist' or 'cloud,' emphasizing the transformation into particles.
  • It first appeared in medical texts in the late 19th century as devices began to be developed for therapeutic purposes.

Science

  • Nebulization is commonly used in respiratory therapy, allowing medication to be directly inhaled into the lungs.
  • The process can deliver medication quickly, making it particularly useful for emergencies like asthma attacks.

Medicine

  • Nebulizers come in various types, including jet, ultrasonic, and mesh nebulizers, each using different mechanisms to create mist.
  • They are often preferred for children or those who have difficulty using inhalers, as they require less effort.

Cultural Significance

  • Nebulization therapy has become more integral in hospitals, especially during respiratory illness surges, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In alternative health practices, nebulization is sometimes combined with essential oils for holistic treatments, despite mixed scientific support.

Technology

  • Recent advancements have led to portable nebulizers, making them more accessible for everyday use at home or on the go.
  • Smart nebulizers are now emerging, which can connect to apps for monitoring medication usage and effectiveness.

Translations

Translations of the word "nebulize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nebulizar

🇮🇳 धुंधलाना

🇩🇪 vernebeln

🇮🇩 nebulisasi

🇺🇦 небулізувати

🇵🇱 nebulizować

🇯🇵 ネブライザー化する

🇫🇷 nébuliser

🇪🇸 nebulizar

🇹🇷 nebülize etmek

🇰🇷 네뷸라이즈하다

🇸🇦 تذرية

🇨🇿 nebulizovat

🇸🇰 nebulizovať

🇨🇳 雾化

🇸🇮 nebulizirati

🇮🇸 þokumyndun

🇰🇿 тұмандау

🇬🇪 ნებულიზაცია

🇦🇿 nebulizasiya etmək

🇲🇽 nebulizar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,290, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.