inhaler
UK[ɪnˈheɪlə(r)]US[ɪnˈheɪlər]
n
a small portable device used for breathing in a medicinal vapor or powder, especially for relieving asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
hale
er
in
in, into, on, upon
hale
to breathe
er
Etymology
the word 'inhaler' is a modern english formation built upon the verb 'inhale'. the verb itself entered english in the early 18th century from latin inhalare, meaning "to breathe upon or into", a compound of the prefix in- ("into") and the verb halare ("to breathe"). the agent suffix -er was then appended, following a common english pattern (as in 'baker', 'mixer'), to create a noun denoting the device that performs the action of inhaling. thus, the literal construction "a thing that breathes in" perfectly describes its function of delivering medication into the lungs.
Analysis
Structure: in + hale + er
in: latin origin, a prefix meaning "in, into, on, upon".
hale: from the english verb 'hale' (an archaic form of 'haul'), but in this context derived from latin halare meaning "to breathe".
er: from old english -ere, an agent noun suffix indicating "a person or thing that does something".
Examples
she always carries her inhaler in her bag in case of an asthma attack.
the doctor prescribed a new steroid inhaler to control his bronchitis.
remember to shake the inhaler well before use.