breathalyzer
Noun: A portable electronic device used by law enforcement to estimate a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) by analyzing a sample of their exhaled breath. It provides a preliminary, on-the-spot reading to determine if a person is likely to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
The term "breathalyzer" is used to refer to the specific device used in roadside sobriety testing. - The police officer asked the driver to blow into the breathalyzer. - A positive result on the breathalyzer can lead to an arrest. - The accuracy of the breathalyzer reading can be challenged in court.
- "To administer a breathalyzer test": The formal act of having a driver use the device.
- The officer had probable cause to administer a breathalyzer test.
- "To blow/fail a breathalyzer": Common informal phrases for taking or not passing the test.
- He was arrested after failing the breathalyzer.
- Breathalyze (verb, chiefly US): To test with a breathalyzer.
- The driver was breathalyzed at the scene.
- Breath test (noun): A more general term for any procedure analyzing breath, including but not limited to a breathalyzer.
- Alcotest (noun, trademark): A brand name for a type of breathalyzer device.
- Intoxilyzer (noun, trademark): Another brand name for a breath alcohol analyzer.
- Breath alcohol analyzer: The formal, technical term.
- Breath alcohol testing device: A descriptive synonym.
- Sobriety tester: A less technical, functional synonym.
- "Take a breathalyzer": To submit to the test.
- He refused to take a breathalyzer.
- "Breathalyzer result": The reading or outcome from the device.
- The breathalyzer result showed a BAC above the legal limit.
While "breathalyzer" generically refers to such devices, it is important to note that "Breathalyzer" (capitalized) is a trademarked brand name for one specific model. In common usage, however, the lowercase term is used for all similar devices, a process known as genericization. The device provides an indirect measure of blood alcohol concentration and is typically used for preliminary screening; evidential testing often requires more precise equipment at a police station.
- a device that measures chemicals (especially the alcohol content) in a person's expired breath