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Respirator: meaning, definitions and examples

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respirator

 

[ˈrɛspəˌreɪtər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

protective equipment

A respirator is a device designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances, such as chemicals, gases, or infectious particles. It works by filtering the air before it is inhaled, removing particles that could be harmful to health.

Synonyms

breathing apparatus, filter, mask.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
respirator

Usually refers to a device that provides and regulates the air that a person breathes, especially in medical or industrial situations. It could be used in hospitals or in workplaces with harmful fumes.

  • The doctor put the patient on a respirator to help with breathing.
  • Factory workers are required to wear respirators when handling dangerous chemicals.
mask

A general term that can refer to various types of coverings for the face, usually worn for protection or disguise. It is often used in medical, industrial, or social contexts.

  • During the pandemic, everyone was required to wear a face mask in public places.
  • Carpenters wore dust masks to protect themselves from inhaling wood particles.
filter

Refers to a component that removes unwanted particles from the air or other substances. Often found in discussions about air quality or machinery maintenance.

  • You need to change the air filter in your car every 10,000 miles.
  • The air filter in the purifier needs to be replaced regularly for it to work efficiently.
breathing apparatus

A more formal or technical term for equipment that assists or allows breathing, often used in contexts involving firefighters, deep-sea divers, or in specific industrial environments.

  • Firefighters used breathing apparatuses to rescue people from the smoke-filled building.
  • The diver checked his breathing apparatus before going underwater.

Examples of usage

  • The workers at the chemical plant wear respirators to protect themselves from toxic fumes.
  • Medical personnel use respirators when treating patients with infectious diseases.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'respirare,' meaning 'to breathe out,' emphasizing its role in assisting breath.
  • The prefix 're-' means again, and 'spirare' relates to breathing, which reflects the function of the device.
  • First used in the early 20th century, referring to devices initially developed for anesthesia.

Medical Importance

  • Respirators are crucial in intensive care units (ICUs) to support patients with severe respiratory illnesses.
  • They deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, essential for maintaining life in critically ill patients.
  • In the context of pandemics, they gained prominence for protecting both healthcare workers and patients from respiratory viruses.

Cultural Impact

  • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of respirators, making them a symbol of healthcare innovation and urgency.
  • Films and literature have depicted respirators as critical in life-or-death situations, enhancing dramatic narratives.
  • They are often featured in news reports to illustrate the severity of health crises faced by hospitals.

Technology

  • Modern respirators incorporate advanced technology, including sensors that monitor respiratory patterns and oxygen levels.
  • Some models can be operated remotely, giving healthcare professionals the ability to manage patients from a distance.
  • Continuous advancements lead to quieter, more efficient models that improve patient comfort during treatment.

Safety and Regulations

  • Strict regulations govern the design and use of respirators to ensure safety in both medical and industrial settings.
  • Personal protective respirators are used in construction and hazardous environments to filter out harmful particulates.
  • Training is required for users to ensure proper fit and function, especially in high-risk occupations.

Translations

Translations of the word "respirator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 respirador

🇮🇳 श्वासयंत्र

🇩🇪 Atemschutzgerät

🇮🇩 respirator

🇺🇦 респіратор

🇵🇱 respirator

🇯🇵 レスピレーター

🇫🇷 respirateur

🇪🇸 respirador

🇹🇷 solunum cihazı

🇰🇷 호흡기

🇸🇦 قناع التنفس

🇨🇿 respirátor

🇸🇰 respirátor

🇨🇳 呼吸器

🇸🇮 respirator

🇮🇸 öndunargríma

🇰🇿 респиратор

🇬🇪 რესპირატორი

🇦🇿 respirator

🇲🇽 respirador

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,233, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.