Definition

A device used to measure how much air a person can breathe in and out, which helps assess lung function.

Example

The doctor used a spirometer to check my lung capacity during the examination.

Conversation

I just had my check-up and they used a spirometer to test my lung capacity.

Oh really? I've heard those can give a lot of useful information.

Yeah, it measures how much air you can breathe in and out.

That sounds interesting! I should ask my doctor about it next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spirometer → It is formed from "spiro-" (from Latin "spirare", meaning to breathe) and "-meter" (from Greek "metron", meaning measure). The word describes an instrument that measures breathing or air flow.

Memory Tip

Think of 'breathing' ('spirare') and 'measuring' ('metron') to remember that a spirometer is a device that measures how you breathe.

Visually Confused Words