aspirator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “aspirator” mean?
A device which uses suction to draw up or remove substances, such as liquids or gases, from a cavity or surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device which uses suction to draw up or remove substances, such as liquids or gases, from a cavity or surface.
The term can refer to a variety of suction devices, including medical instruments (like the dental or surgical aspirator to remove blood or saliva), laboratory tools (to create a vacuum or transfer fluids), and household or industrial appliances (like a clogged drain or simple chemical aspirator).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is used identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “aspirator” in a Sentence
The [medical professional] used an aspirator to [remove substance].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aspirator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will aspirate the cyst before removal.
- We need to aspirate the sample carefully.
American English
- The dentist aspirated the saliva during the procedure.
- The protocol states to aspirate slowly to avoid bubbles.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
American English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- The aspirator bottle was connected to the vacuum line.
- Ensure the aspirator function is operational.
American English
- The aspirator tube needs to be sterile.
- Check the aspirator pressure before starting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in procurement for medical or lab supplies.
Academic
Used in medical, dental, engineering, and laboratory science texts and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson might refer to a 'suction tool' or 'medical vacuum'.
Technical
The primary register. Specific in medicine (e.g., 'pharyngeal aspirator'), dentistry, chemistry labs (e.g., 'water aspirator' for vacuum filtration).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aspirator”
- Pronouncing it as /əˈspaɪrətər/ (like 'aspire').
- Using it as a general term for any pump or cleaner.
- Confusing it with 'respirator' (a device to aid breathing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both use suction, an aspirator is a specific technical device, often for medical or laboratory use, designed for precision removal of fluids or gases, not for cleaning floors.
They are often confused. An 'aspirator' removes substances *from* a person/area (via suction). A 'respirator' helps a person breathe by filtering air or providing oxygen.
No, the device is a noun. The related verb is 'to aspirate' (to draw out by suction).
For general English, no. It is a low-frequency, specialised term essential only for those in medical, dental, or specific scientific fields.
A device which uses suction to draw up or remove substances, such as liquids or gases, from a cavity or surface.
Aspirator is usually formal / technical in register.
Aspirator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaspɪreɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæspəˌreɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'aspire' meaning to reach for something. An ASPIRATOR *reaches in* with suction to *aspirate* (draw out) fluids.
Conceptual Metaphor
A device that acts as a mechanical mouth, inhaling or sucking up unwanted matter.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts are you LEAST likely to encounter the word 'aspirator'?