BREATHALYSER Meaning and
Definition
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A breathalyser, also known as a breathalyzer, is a device used to determine the alcohol concentration in an individual's breath. It is commonly employed by law enforcement authorities during traffic stops or sobriety checkpoints to assess whether a person is driving under the influence of alcohol. The breathalyser operates based on the principle that the concentration of alcohol in a person's breath is proportional to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
The breathalyser typically utilizes a semiconductor-based sensor or an electrochemical fuel cell to measure the amount of alcohol in the breath sample. When a person blows into the device, the air sample is captured, and the sensor or fuel cell undergoes a chemical reaction with any alcohol present. This reaction results in an electrical signal proportional to the BAC, which is then displayed on the breathalyser.
Breathalysers are designed to provide rapid and accurate results, making them a convenient tool for assessing alcohol impairment. They play a crucial role in maintaining road safety by enabling authorities to swiftly identify and take appropriate action against individuals exceeding the legal alcohol limit.
It is important to note that breathalysers are calibrated and regularly maintained to maintain their accuracy. Despite their reliability, breathalysers may have limitations, such as potential interference from certain substances or the inability to differentiate between alcohol consumed recently and residual alcohol in the mouth. Therefore, breathalyser results may only serve as preliminary evidence of impairment, with further testing required to confirm the actual blood alcohol concentration.
Common Misspellings for BREATHALYSER
Etymology of BREATHALYSER
The word "breathalyzer" (spelled "breathalyser" in some regions) is derived from the combination of two words: "breath" and "analyzer". Here's a breakdown of the etymology:
1. Breath: The word "breath" comes from the Middle English "breth" and Old English "brǣth", which ultimately trace back to the Proto-Germanic word "*bræthaz". It is related to other Germanic languages such as German "Atem" and Dutch "adem". The origin of the Proto-Germanic word is uncertain, but it might be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root word "*bʰrē-" meaning "to blow".
2.
Similar spelling words for BREATHALYSER
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