Pronunciation: [spɪɹˈɒmɪtə] (IPA) 
The word "spirometer" is spelled /spaɪˈrɒmɪtər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "spi" is pronounced with the diphthong /aɪ/ which sounds like the "eye" vowel. The second syllable "rom" has the /ɒ/ vowel sound which sounds like "ah". The final syllable "eter" is pronounced as /ɪtər/ with a short "i" vowel sound and the final "r" is silent. A spirometer is a device used to measure lung volume and function.
A spirometer is a medical device used to measure the volume and flow of air that a person inhales and exhales during respiration. It is a vital tool for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases.
The spirometer typically consists of a mouthpiece connected to a small, handheld device that contains a measuring mechanism. When a person breathes into the mouthpiece, the spirometer records the amount of air displaced and the speed of the airflow, providing valuable data on lung capacity and function.
The measurement results obtained from a spirometer include various key parameters such as tidal volume (the amount of air inhaled and exhaled during a normal breath), vital capacity (the maximum amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a deep inhalation), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled forcefully in the first second), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR, the maximum speed at which air can be exhaled).
Spirometry tests are performed in medical settings, often by respiratory therapists or pulmonary function technologists. The data collected from a spirometer is analyzed by medical professionals to evaluate lung function, assess the severity of respiratory conditions, track disease progression, and monitor treatment effectiveness. Additionally, spirometry is frequently used to detect early signs of lung damage and to assess overall respiratory health in individuals, including smokers or individuals exposed to pollutants or toxins.
An appliance for measuring the air-capacity of the lungs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
An instr. for measuring the quantity of air an individual can expire after a forced inspiration.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word spirometer is derived from two Greek roots: spiro meaning breath or respiration, and meter meaning to measure. Therefore, the word spirometer literally means instrument to measure breath or instrument to measure respiration.
