iron lung

noun

1. a chamberlike respirator, formerly used in the treatment of poliomyelitis, that encloses the whole body except the head and in which alternate pulsations of high and low pressure induce normal breathing movements or force air into and out of the lungs.

iron lung

noun

1. an airtight metal cylinder enclosing the entire body up to the neck and providing artificial respiration when the respiratory muscles are paralysed, as by poliomyelitis
2. informal.
   a gas container used in dispensing beer

Word History and Origins

Origin of iron lung¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

He was surrounded by children whose limbs were suspended in traction or whose bodies were swallowed in iron lungs.

From Science News

Polio put kids in iron lungs and scared parents away from pools.

From MIT Technology Review

Yet the specter of their children in an iron lung was enough to terrify parents into strictly adhering to precautions, useful or not.

From Time

On the other hand, I'd come in an iron lung with snow tires if Jon Stewart beckoned.

From The Daily Beast

Once they had an iron lung around him and there was a thin wisp over his face.

From Project Gutenberg

The iron lung was back the next time he came to, and he was being tugged toward it.

From Project Gutenberg

The man in doctor's robes shoved the iron lung aside violently and reached into his clothing.

From Project Gutenberg