aspiratory
|a-spi-ra-to-ry|
🇺🇸
/əˈspɪrətɔːri/
🇬🇧
/əˈspɪrət(ə)ri/
relating to inhaling/aspiration
Etymology
'aspiratory' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'aspirare', where 'ad-' (assimilated in form) meant 'to/toward' and 'spirare' meant 'to breathe'.
'aspiratory' developed in English by formation from Latin 'aspirare' (via Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms such as 'aspiratus' and the noun 'aspirator') and the adjectival suffix '-ory' that produced 'aspiratory' in technical/medical usage.
Initially connected with the literal sense 'to breathe upon/into' or 'to draw in by suction'; over time it came to be used specifically in medical and phonetic contexts to mean 'relating to inhalation/aspiration' or 'characterized by aspiration'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a (rare) noun use referring to a device or instrument that aspirates (removes fluids or gases by suction) or more generally an aspirating action/device.
The laboratory used an aspiratory to remove excess fluid from the specimen.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to aspiration or the act of inhaling; concerned with drawing in air or other substances into the respiratory tract.
An aspiratory reflex helps protect the airway during sudden breathing changes.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
tending to cause aspiration (the entry of foreign material into the airway), used in medical descriptions (e.g., aspiratory events or conditions).
Aspiratory pneumonia may result when liquids or solids enter the lungs.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 20:56