respirator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “respirator” mean?
A device worn over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances or to assist breathing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device worn over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances or to assist breathing.
In medical contexts, a machine that provides mechanical ventilation to a patient who cannot breathe independently.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. In industrial/PPE contexts, 'respirator' is standard in both. The medical breathing machine is also called a 'ventilator' more commonly in both varieties.
Connotations
In UK medical settings, 'ventilator' may be slightly more common than 'respirator' for the machine. 'Respirator' strongly connotes PPE.
Frequency
Higher frequency in technical, medical, and industrial safety contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “respirator” in a Sentence
VERB + respirator: use, wear, don, require, fit, testADJ + respirator: protective, disposable, powered, mechanical, portableVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “respirator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The workers must be properly trained to respirate using the equipment.
- The system is designed to respirate the patient automatically.
American English
- The protocol is to respirate the victim immediately.
- Newer models can respirate more efficiently.
adjective
British English
- The respirator mask provided essential protection.
- They followed the respirator guidance document.
American English
- The respirator technology has advanced significantly.
- Respirator fit-testing is mandatory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In occupational health & safety policies.
Academic
In medical, engineering, or public health research.
Everyday
Discussions about pandemic PPE, painting, or DIY with chemicals.
Technical
Specifications for filtration, medical device operation, or industrial standards.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “respirator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “respirator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “respirator”
- Using 'respirator' for a simple surgical/cloth mask (incorrect).
- Confusing 'respirator' (device) with 'respiratory' (adjective).
- Spelling: 'respirater' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A respirator (e.g., N95) is designed to form a tight seal and filter airborne particles. A surgical mask is looser-fitting and primarily blocks splashes/droplets.
It's a US standard rating meaning the respirator filters at least 95% of airborne particles and is Not resistant to oil.
Historically and very rarely, yes (one who breathes). In modern English, it is almost exclusively a device.
There is minimal difference. Both use it for PPE and medical devices. The term 'ventilator' is equally or more common for the medical machine in both regions.
A device worn over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances or to assist breathing.
Respirator is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Respirator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛspəreɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛspəreɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'RESPIRAtor' – it helps with your RESPIRAtion.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LUNG SUBSTITUTE / A FILTERING SHIELD.
Practice
Quiz
In a hospital ICU, 'respirator' is most synonymous with: