puffer

Everyday

1. A pufferfish: a fish that can blow itself up into a ball, often covered in spikes, to scare away enemies; many are poisonous to eat. tree →
2. (UK, Australia, NZ) An inhaler, a small device that puffs medicine into your lungs, used for asthma. tree →
3. A puffer jacket: a warm, padded coat with puffy stuffed sections. tree →
4. (old) A small steam boat or train that puffs smoke; a person who puffs. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons pufferfish show animal defences; in health and safety a «puffer» means an asthma inhaler, which pupils with asthma must have at school. In everyday life a puffer jacket keeps you warm in winter. Phrases: «puffer fish», «blue puffer», «puffer jacket».

Examples

• The puffer blew itself up into a spiky ball. tree →
• Puffers are poisonous, so never eat one you catch. tree →
• Jack uses his blue puffer when his asthma gets bad. tree →
• Take your puffer on the school trip, just in case. tree →
• My new puffer jacket is so warm. tree →
• The old steam puffer chugged up the Scottish coast. tree →

Note

Countable: puffer, puffers. «Pufferfish» is often one word. In the USA people say «inhaler» more than «puffer». Safety: a reliever puffer (often blue) is for asthma attacks; tell a teacher at once if a friend cannot breathe properly.