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
Andrea Klick, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2024
Also, do verbal checks frequently with workers who are wearing face coverings or wearing face equipment like a respirator.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 18 June 2024
These unmonitored chemicals are so toxic California advised cannabis enforcement agents to wear hazmat suits and respirators during field inspections, and to undergo annual blood poisoning tests.
—Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024
In the face of global shortages, first China; then France, Germany, and the European Union; and finally the United States hoarded supplies of respirators, surgical masks, and gloves for their own hospital workers’ use.
—Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 27 July 2020
See all Example Sentences for respirator 
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Cite this Entry
“Respirator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respirator. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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.
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