respirable

[ res-per-uh-buhl, ri-spahyuhr-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being respired.
2. capable of respiring.

respirable

/ ˈrɛspɪrəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be breathed
2. suitable or fit for breathing

Derived Forms

• ˌrespiraˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• respi·ra·bili·ty respi·ra·ble·ness noun
• nonre·spira·ble adjective
• un·respi·ra·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of respirable¹

From the Late Latin word respīrābilis, dating back to 1770–80. See respire, -able

Example Sentences

The Labor Department rule lowers the permissible exposure limit of respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air for a full-shift exposure, calculated as an 8-hour average.

From Seattle Times

Not understanding that it's inhalation, and that there's plenty of things bigger than respirable aerosols that can deposit in your nose, and in your large airways; and if there are susceptible cells there, it can cause infection; and can still hang in the air.

From Salon

“The contribution of small respirable particles, sometimes called aerosols or droplet nuclei, to close proximity transmission is currently uncertain. However, airborne transmission from person-to-person over long distances is unlikely,” according to the guidance.

From The Guardian

He said anytime workers are drilling, mining or carving stone or rock, respirable crystalline silica, a very toxic dust, is likely being liberated in the process.

From The Guardian

The United Mine Workers of America has called on the Mining Safety and Health Administration to enact stricter standards to regulate respirable silica dust in the wake of resurging black lung cases.

From The Guardian