What does spirometer mean?
A spirometer is an instrument used to measure how much air a person inhales and exhales, and how effectively the lungs move that air. It is commonly used in respiratory testing, where readings can help assess lung capacity, airflow, and the presence or progression of conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other restrictive or obstructive lung disorders. The word is especially associated with formal medical and laboratory contexts. Although people often speak loosely about taking a “spirometer test,” the spirometer is the instrument itself; the overall procedure is called spirometry. The term also appears in research, occupational health, sports science, and monitoring of respiratory function. Its combination of a Greek word associated with breath and a Greek word meaning measure reflects its straightforward purpose: providing a numerical measurement of breathing.
nounAn instrument for measuring the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs, especially as an indicator of respiratory health and lung capacity.
- A medical instrument that measures the volume of air inhaled and exhaled, especially to assess lung capacity and respiratory function.
"The technician asked her to breathe into the spirometer as deeply as possible."
"The results of her spirometer test indicated reduced airflow."
"Researchers used a spirometer to compare the participants' lung function before and after the treatment."
The standard plural for two or more spirometers.
"The clinic purchased new spirometers for its respiratory testing rooms."
A spirometer turns each breath into a measurement, showing how effectively the lungs are working.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of spirometer
The word spirometer combines Greek spira, meaning “breath,” with metron, meaning “measure,” literally describing an instrument that measures breathing. It belongs to a wider family of English words connected with breath, including respiration, respire, and inspiration, which derive from related Latin forms. In modern usage, spirometer specifically denotes a device for measuring the volume and movement of air during breathing.
Related word forms
How spirometer is actually used
Primarily formal and medical. In clinical settings, “spirometer” may refer to either the handheld device or the testing system, while “spirometry” names the broader procedure.
Easily confused with spirometer
A spirometer is the measuring instrument, whereas spirometry is the process or test of measuring lung function.
A spirometer primarily measures the volume of air moved during breathing, while a respirometer generally measures respiratory gases such as oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide output.