respiratory

Definitions

1adjectiveRelating to or affecting respiration or the organs involved in breathing, such as the lungs.

The respiratory system includes the lungs and airways.

Respiratory diseases can affect breathing and oxygen intake.

Doctors examined the patient's respiratory function to ensure proper breathing.

Word Origin

Language

Latin

Original word

respirare

Word parts

re (again) + spirare (to breathe)

Originally meant

to breathe again

Background

The term 'respiratory' comes from the Latin word 'respirare', which means 'to breathe again'. It entered English in the late Middle Ages, reflecting the process of taking in air and expelling it from the lungs.