breath testingn.
/ˈbrɛθ ˌtɛstɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈbrɛθ ˌtɛstɪŋ/ The action or process of performing a test to determine the presence or concentration of alcohol vapour in a person’s breath; spec. the use of a breathalyser to establish fitness for driving a motor vehicle. See breath test n. 1.
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society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > driving or operating a vehicle > [noun] > breathalyser test
breath test1861
breath testing1927
drunkometer1934
breathalyser1954
B-test1967
1927 Crookwell (New S. Wales) Gaz. 22 June 8/3 An American medical scientist has evolved a breath-testing system for booze suspects charged before traffic courts.
1958 Norwich Sun 26 June 5/2 This new instrument was designed and perfected by Capt. Borkenstein, who is one of the most experienced teachers and authorities in the field of chemical breath testing in the entire world.
1967 Spectator 17 Nov. 605/2 The main object of breath testing is, of course, deterrence.
2019 Philippines Daily Inquirer (Nexis) 5 Oct. The national drunk driving law requires ‘probable cause’, such as a fatal crash, before random breath-testing can be carried out.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2020; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1927