Iron Lung (Noun)
Meaning
Respirator that produces alternations in air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest to force air into and out of the lungs thus providing artificial respiration.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The doctor placed the paralyzed patient in an iron lung to help them breathe properly.
- Due to the polio epidemic, many people relied on the use of the iron lung to stay alive and recover.
- Because the virus damaged the diaphragm and lungs, the patient required the aid of an iron lung to breathe.
- In 1940s hospitals, iron lungs were often lined up in rows, helping numerous patients recover from various respiratory infections.
- Physicians decided that since her natural respiration was disrupted, Emma needed an iron lung to survive her illness.