noun
bronchus
BRONG-kus
Bronchus (noun) means a bronchus is one of the two main airways that branch from the windpipe into the lungs. Example: “Each bronchus carries air into one of the two lungs.”
noun
1
technical A bronchus is one of the two main airways that branch from the windpipe into the lungs.
"Each bronchus carries air into one of the two lungs."
"The doctor examined the patient's bronchus for signs of infection."
"Smoke and dust can irritate the lining of the bronchus."
How to use bronchus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne of the two tubes that split off the windpipe to carry air into each lung.
When to use it
Bronchus is a medical and anatomical term rather than everyday vocabulary.
Memory tip
Remember the irregular plural bronchi, which follows the Latin pattern rather than adding an -es.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
bronchiole
bronchium
Common pairings
left bronchus
right bronchus
main bronchus
bronchial tube
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like bronchus.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Each _____ carries air into one of the two lungs.
Etymology
Bronchus was borrowed from Late Latin, which in turn took the word from the Ancient Greek brónkhos, meaning throat or windpipe.
Synonyms
View more →
bronchial tube
Frequently asked questions
What is a bronchus in the body?
A bronchus is one of the two main tubes that branch off the windpipe and carry air into each lung.
What is the plural of bronchus?
The plural form is bronchi, not bronchuses.
What is the difference between a bronchus and the trachea?
The trachea is the single main windpipe, while each bronchus is one of the two branches that lead from it into the lungs.
What is the meaning of bronchus?
"bronchus" (noun) means a bronchus is one of the two main airways that branch from the windpipe into the lungs.
