ALVEOLUS

alveolus, air sac, air cell

(noun) a tiny sac for holding air in the lungs; formed by the terminal dilation of tiny air passageways

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

alveolus (plural alveoli)

A small cavity or pit.

(anatomy) An anatomical structure that has the form of a hollow cavity, as

(anatomy, pulmonology) A small air sac in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with the blood.

Synonym: pulmonary alveolus

(anatomy, dentistry) A dental alveolus (tooth socket): the socket in which a tooth resides.

(entomology) The socket of a macrotrichium (seta).

Source: Wiktionary


Al*ve"o*lus, n.; pl. Alveoli. Etym: [L., a small hollow or cavity, dim. of alveus: cf. F. alvéole. See Alveary.]

1. A cell in a honeycomb.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A small cavity in a coral, shell, or fossil

3. (Anat.)

Definition: A small depression, sac, or vesicle, as the socket of a tooth, the air cells of the lungs, the ultimate saccules of glands, etc.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

23 May 2025

THOUGHTFULLY

(adverb) showing consideration and thoughtfulness; “he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share”


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