spirometer

American

[spahy-rom-i-ter] / spaɪˈrɒm ɪ tər /

noun

an instrument for determining the capacity of the lungs.

spirometer British

/ spaɪˈrɒmɪtə, ˌspaɪrəˈmɛtrɪk /

noun

an instrument for measuring the air capacity of the lungs Compare pneumatometer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

spirometric adjective
spirometrical adjective
spirometry noun

Etymology

Origin of spirometer

First recorded in 1840–50; spiro- ¹ + -meter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But, he said "the range of Crudup's vocal skill is such that you can imagine the peaks and dips of a spirometer graph purely from his performance".

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2024

It’s often done using a spirometer - a device with a mouthpiece connected to a small machine.

From Washington Times • Jun. 1, 2023

It’s often done using a spirometer — a device with a mouthpiece connected to a small machine.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2023

He picks up a spirometer, a device that measures lung capacity, and takes a deep breath — though not as deep as he'd like.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2022

As she set the spirometer on the side table by my bed, she announced, “For lunch today we’ve got chicken tenders, and fries, and a small salad,” while setting the tray down.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023