artificial respiration

noun

variants or artificial ventilation
: the rhythmic forcing of air into and out of the lungs of a person whose breathing has stopped, is failing, or is inadequate compare mechanical ventilation

Examples of artificial respiration in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Because there’s no antidote to TTX, the necessary medical treatment includes artificial respiration and breathing support, until the poison leaves the system. — Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024 The officials say the neonatal unit of the city’s largest hospital is now carrying out artificial respiration, according to CNN. — Staff Author, Peoplemag, 13 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1778, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of artificial respiration was in 1778

Rhymes for artificial respiration

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Artificial respiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artificial%20respiration. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

artificial respiration

noun
: the rhythmic forcing of air into and out of the lungs of a person whose breathing has stopped

Medical Definition

artificial respiration

noun
variants or artificial ventilation
: the rhythmic forcing of air into and out of the lungs of a person whose breathing has stopped, is failing, or is inadequate : the process of restoring, maintaining, or initiating breathing by delivering air into and out of the lungs compare back pressure-arm lift method, mechanical ventilation, mouth-to-mouth

More from Merriam-Webster on artificial respiration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about artificial respiration

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