respirator
noun
Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to such a respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.
Examples of respirator in a Sentence
Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Some people appeared to come prepared for the chaos, wearing respirators, goggles, and other protective equipment.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
The parents requested the respirator be removed and that their daughter be allowed to die.
—Robert S. Olick, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026
Manufacturers argue, though, that proper ventilation, wet cutting, and respirators can make fabrication safe.
—Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for respirator
Cite this Entry
“Respirator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respirator. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respirator
noun
Medical Definition
respirator
noun
Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to a particulate respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.
