/res"peuh ray'teuhr/ , n.
1. a masklike device, usually of gauze, worn over the mouth, or nose and mouth, to prevent the inhalation of noxious substances or the like.
2. Brit. See gas mask .
3. Med. an apparatus to produce artificial respiration.
[ 1785-95; respirat ( us ) (see RESPIRATION) + -OR 2 ]