nebulizer

English

Alternative forms

• nebuliser

Etymology

nebulize +‎ -er

Noun

nebulizer (plural nebulizers)

1. A device used to convert liquid into a fine spray of aerosols, by means of oxygen, compressed air, or ultrasonic vibration.

   Synonym: atomizer

2. (medicine) A device used to administer a medicine into the lungs, by converting the medicine from liquid state into a fine spray of aerosols, to be inhaled through the nose or mouth.

   Coordinate terms: inhaler, vaporizer

   • 1988 August 20, Chris Bull, “ACT UP Zaps Fizons Co.”, in Gay Community News, volume 16, number 6, page 1:

     Because pentamidine is more effective in aerosolized form, a machine called a nebulizer is needed to turn the liquid pentamidine into tiny droplets which are then inhaled directly into the lungs. However, there are several different nebulizers on the market, and PWAs must know which is most effective.

   • 2011, Jill Shalvis, Head Over Heels, Hachette UK, →ISBN:

     “Obviously. It's just that experts recommend measuring your peak oxygen flow and having a portable nebulizer ready.”

Related terms

• micronebulizer
• nebulize
• nebulization

Translations

device used to administer medicine

• Czech: nebulizátor m
• French: nébuliseur (fr)
• Galician: nebulizador (gl) m
• German: Zerstäuber (de) m
• Spanish: nebulizador (es) m

Further reading

• nebulizer on Wikipedia.Wikipedia