oximeter

Noun

oximeter (plural oximeters)

1. A device that measures the quantity of oxygen in something, particularly air in the atmosphere.
   • The instruments in which the oxigen gas of a determined quantity of air was ascertained, received the name of EUDIOMETERS, because they were considered as measurers of the purity of air. They are however more properly called OXIMETERS.1808, Fredrick Accum [i.e., Friedrich Accum], “Part XVIII. Atmospheric Air.”, in System of Theoretical and Practical Chemistry. In Two Volumes, […], volume I, Philadelphia, Pa.: Published by Kimber &...
   • Is it not to be regretted that the term eudiometry and eudiometer should be applied exclusively to the art of determining the quantity of oxygen in the air and the instruments for that purpose? Would not the terms oximetry and oximeter be more appropriate?—Tr[anslator].[1833 January, M. Brunner, “Art. IX.—Memoir on the Chemical Analysis of the Atmosphere; by M. Brunner, Prof. of Chemistry at Berne. […]”, in Prof. Griscom, transl., edited by Benjamin Silliman, The...

   Synonyms:

   eudiometer

   1. (specifically) A device that measures the oxygen saturation of arterial blood.
      • The Millikan oxymeter, with which Dr. Howard Bierman has been working and which he has discussed with this group, can be attached to the external ear and gives prompt information about oxygen saturation. It is so calibrated that the administration of 97 to 100% oxygen to normal individuals causes...1950 January 25, Francis L. Chamberlain, “Therapy of Myocardial Infarction”, in The Bulletin of the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, volume 1, number 5, San Francisco, Calif....
      • At 8 to 10 G, ear oximeter readings may fall to 75 percent saturation. The lungs, afterward, may show some atelectasis.1967, Arthur B. DuBois, “Exchange of Fluids in Lungs”, in Physiology in the Space Environment: Report of a Conference Conducted by the Space Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences...