noun

alveolus

al-VEE-uh-lus

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Alveolus (noun) means one of the many tiny sac-like pockets in lung tissue where the bronchioles end and gas exchange with the blood happens. Example: “Each alveolus is surrounded by tiny blood vessels that pick up oxygen from the air we breathe.”

noun

anatomy One of the many tiny sac-like pockets in lung tissue where the bronchioles end and gas exchange with the blood happens.

"Each alveolus is surrounded by tiny blood vessels that pick up oxygen from the air we breathe."

"Smoking can damage the delicate walls of the alveoli over time."

"The lungs contain millions of alveoli, giving them a huge surface area for gas exchange."

anatomy, dentistry The bony socket in the jaw that holds the root of a tooth.

"After the tooth was removed, the dentist checked that the alveolus was healing properly."

"The root of the tooth sits inside the alveolus."

"Bone loss around the alveolus can eventually loosen a tooth."

How to use alveolus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tiny hollow or sac, most often one of the lungs' air sacs or a tooth socket in the jaw.

When to use it

A technical term from anatomy and dentistry rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember the plural is alveoli, not alveoluses.

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Common pairings

pulmonary alveoli alveoli in the lungs walls of the alveolus

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Each _____ is surrounded by tiny blood vessels that pick up oxygen from the air we breathe.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin alveolus, meaning a small hollow or cavity. It is a diminutive of the Latin alveus, meaning a hollow or cavity.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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pulmonary alveolus dental alveolus tooth socket alveolar socket

Rhymes for alveolus

bolus nucleolus

See all rhymes for alveolus →

Frequently asked questions

What is an alveolus?

In anatomy it usually means a tiny air sac in the lungs, though it can also mean the tooth socket in the jaw.

What is the plural of alveolus?

The plural is alveoli.

What do alveoli do in the lungs?

They are where oxygen from the air we breathe passes into the blood and carbon dioxide passes out.

What is the meaning of alveolus?

"alveolus" (noun) means one of the many tiny sac-like pockets in lung tissue where the bronchioles end and gas exchange with the blood happens.