inhaler
nounEtymology From inhale + -er.
1
One who inhales.
- The exposure of the mouse lungs to smoke was, of course, relatively mild as compared with the exposure of the lungs of a human smoke-inhaler who gets true cancer.1963, Consumers Union of United States, Consumer reports, volume 28, page 277:
2
Medicine, Sciences A device with a canister holding medicine (either in powder or gas form) which is sprayed and inhaled by the patient, often for treating asthma and other respiratory diseases.
- Smokes incessantly Caporals, using a denicotinizing holder. At frequent intervals inhales from benzedrine inhaler.1953, Ian Fleming, “Dossier for M”, in Casino Royale, London: Pan Books, published 1955, page 20:
- Gay peep shows -- adult magazines, movies, locker room, inhalers.1976 April 10, “Classified advertisement”, in Gay Community News, page 18:
1 more example
- For years he'd made relatively light of it, referring to the little inhaler he had to use as his ‘puffer’.1983, Bill Oddie, Gone Birding, London: Methuen, page 96:
- Derived terms
- autohaler, clickhaler, dry powder inhaler, metered-dose inhaler, noninhaler
- Related terms
- antasthmatic, antiemphysemic, bronchodilatory