aerator

[ air-ey-ter, ey-uh-rey- ]

noun

1. an apparatus for aerating water or other fluids.
2. a device for introducing air into a bin of wheat or other grain in order to prevent the accumulation of moisture, keeping it free of fungi and insects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerator¹

First recorded in 1860–65; aerate + -or ²

Example Sentences

Our study shows the chemicals in the air may have been up to 2 to 25 times higher near these aerators.

From Salon

Water flows through an aerator at Owens Lake on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 in Lone Pine, CA.

From Los Angeles Times

Water customers should flush their plumbing, clean faucet aerators and change water filter cartridges, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

From Seattle Times

I removed my kitchen faucet aerator and, lo and behold, there were visible pieces of grit sitting on top of the top screen.

From Seattle Times

In bathrooms, water-saving measures such as low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators are telltale signs that a property is serious about helping the environment.

From Washington Post