ˈaspəˌrād.ə(r), ˈaas-, -ātə- noun
( -s )
Etymology: German, from Latin aspiratus + -or
1. : an apparatus for moving gases, liquids, or granular substances by suction
grain aspirators probe the holds of a … merchantman with long tentaclelike tubes and discharge her cargo into canalboats — D.S.Boyer
2.
a. : an instrument for collecting material by suction ; specifically : a hollow needle or cannula connected with a reservoir in which a partial vacuum can be created and used for the removal of foreign bodies, or the collection of secretions or tissue from the body especially for diagnostic purposes
b. : any of various devices for producing suction ; especially : a device in which a fluid at high velocity passes an orifice thus creating a partial vacuum behind the orifice
3. : respirator