tidal volume: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “tidal volume” mean?
The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, relaxed breath.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, relaxed breath.
In respiratory physiology, it is a key measurement used to assess lung function, often compared with other lung volumes like inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both variants, associated with medical and physiological contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in medical literature and clinical settings in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “tidal volume” in a Sentence
tidal volume of [noun]measure [noun]'s tidal volumetidal volume during [activity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tidal volume” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The clinician will evaluate the patient's tidal volume.
- We need to record the tidal volume accurately.
American English
- The doctor needs to measure the tidal volume.
- Let's calculate the tidal volume using the spirometer.
adverb
British English
- The tidal volume was carefully measured by the nurse.
- Data was recorded regularly for tidal volume analysis.
American English
- The tidal volume is routinely checked in the clinic.
- Patients are monitored closely for tidal volume changes.
adjective
British English
- The tidal estuary shows natural rhythms.
- Tidal forces influence coastal ecosystems.
American English
- Tidal waves can be destructive.
- The tidal basin is a popular tourist spot.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in healthcare business reports or medical device marketing.
Academic
Common in medical and physiology research papers, textbooks, and academic discussions.
Everyday
Very rare; not typically used in casual conversation except in health-related contexts.
Technical
Frequently used in clinical settings, medical diagnostics, respiratory therapy, and physiological studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tidal volume”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tidal volume”
- Confusing tidal volume with vital capacity or other lung volumes.
- Mispronouncing 'tidal' as /ˈtɪdəl/ instead of /ˈtaɪdəl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Tidal volume is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, relaxed breath.
It is typically measured using a spirometer, a device that records air volume, in millilitres or litres.
For an average adult at rest, tidal volume is approximately 500 ml per breath, but it can vary based on factors like age and fitness.
It is a key indicator of respiratory health, used to diagnose and monitor conditions like asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.
The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during a normal, relaxed breath.
Tidal volume is usually technical/medical in register.
Tidal volume: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪdəl ˈvɒljuːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪdəl ˈvɑːljuːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tidal' like the regular in-and-out motion of tides, and 'volume' as the amount, so tidal volume is the regular amount of air breathed in and out.
Conceptual Metaphor
Breathing as a tidal flow; the lungs as an ocean with rhythmic waves of air movement.
Practice
Quiz
What does tidal volume refer to?