Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ə klˈiːnə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "air cleaner" follows English phonetic rules. The initial sound is the vowel sound /ɛ/ as in "air". The second syllable is pronounced as /kliː.nər/ with a long "e" sound at the end, as in "clean". Thus, the word is spelled as "air cleaner" to reflect the pronunciation. Air cleaners are devices used to remove pollutants and allergens from the air, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe.
An air cleaner, also referred to as an air purifier or an air filtration device, is a specialized electronic appliance or mechanical system designed to improve air quality by removing pollutants, contaminants, and allergens from the air in a confined space. The primary function of an air cleaner is to filter and purify indoor air, eliminating potential health hazards and providing a more breathable environment.
Typically consisting of a fan and multiple layers of filters, an air cleaner works by forcing air through these filters, trapping particles and pollutants as the air passes through. The filters in an air cleaner are specifically designed to capture various types of particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, and other harmful substances. Some advanced air cleaners may also employ additional technologies such as activated carbon filters, ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation, or photochemical oxidation to tackle certain types of contaminants.
Air cleaners are commonly used in homes, offices, commercial buildings, hospitals, and other indoor environments where the air quality may be compromised due to factors like pollution, allergens, or chemicals. They can provide relief for individuals suffering from allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions, as well as minimize the presence of odors, airborne germs, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choosing an air cleaner with an appropriate Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and filter efficiency level is crucial to ensure effective purification of the air in a given space.
The word "air cleaner" is a compound word consisting of "air" and "cleaner". The etymology of the word "air" goes back to the Middle English word "ayre" or "aire", which can be traced back to the Old French term "air" and the Latin word "aer". These derived from the Greek word "aēr", meaning "air" or "mist".
The term "cleaner" comes from the Old English word "clǣne", which means "clean" or "pure". It is related to the German word "klen", the Dutch word "klaen", and the Old Norse word "kleinn". All these words are ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "klainaz", meaning "clear" or "bright".
