respirable
Definition
- 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.)