Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of being breathed: "Respirable" describes air or a gas that is suitable or safe for breathing.
   • Fit for inhalation: It refers to substances (such as particles or gases) that are small or pure enough to be inhaled without causing harm.

Usage Examples

• (The air is suitable for breathing.)
• (Only particles small enough to be breathed safely remain.)
• (The air became unsafe to breathe.)

Advanced Usage

• "Respirable particulate matter": A technical term in environmental science for tiny particles suspended in air that can be inhaled into the lungs.

  • The study measured levels of respirable particulate matter in urban areas. (The study focused on particles small enough to be breathed in.)

• "Respirable fraction": In occupational health, the portion of airborne dust that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

  • The respirable fraction of the dust was below the safety limit. (The amount of dust that could be inhaled was within safe levels.)

Variants and Related Words

• Respiration (noun): the act of breathing.

  • Respiration is essential for life. (Breathing is necessary for survival.)

• Respirator (noun): a device worn over the mouth and nose to filter air or supply oxygen.

  • The worker wore a respirator to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. (A mask to protect breathing.)

• Respiratory (adjective): relating to breathing or the organs of breathing.

  • The patient has a respiratory infection. (An infection affecting the lungs or airways.)

Synonyms

• Breathable: suitable for breathing.

  • The air in the cave was not breathable. (It was not safe to inhale.)

• Inhalable: capable of being inhaled.

  • The powder was so fine it was easily inhalable. (It could be breathed in without effort.)

Antonyms

• Irrespirable: not fit for breathing.
  • The toxic gas was irrespirable. (It could not be breathed safely.)

Related Idioms

• • Her optimism was a breath of fresh air. (It was refreshing, like clean, respirable air.)