-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
iron lung
noun
: a device for artificial respiration in which rhythmic alternations in the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest force air into and out of the lungs
Examples of iron lung in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After contracting polio in 1952 as a child, Alexander relied on the iron lung throughout his life.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
Survivors know their ranks are thinning; one of the last Americans to rely on an iron lung for much of his life, a lawyer named Paul Alexander, died last year.
—Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
No one wants to see a return to the dark days when children lay in hospital wards, paralyzed, confined to ghastly iron lungs.
—Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Despite the challenges, Alexander still managed to make significant strides in life while inside the iron lung.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for iron lung
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near iron lung
Cite this Entry
“Iron lung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iron%20lung. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
iron lung
noun
: a device for artificial respiration in which the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest changes in a rhythm and forces air into and out of the lungs
Medical Definition
iron lung
noun
: a device for artificial respiration in which rhythmic alternations in the air pressure in a chamber surrounding a patient's chest force air into and out of the lungs especially when the nerves governing the chest muscles fail to function because of polio
called also Drinker respirator
More from Merriam-Webster on iron lung
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about iron lung
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share