air sac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “air sac” mean?
A thin-walled, air-filled cavity, especially in the respiratory systems of birds, insects, or the lungs of mammals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin-walled, air-filled cavity, especially in the respiratory systems of birds, insects, or the lungs of mammals.
Also refers to similar air-filled structures in plants or fungi, or to inflatable pouches in certain organisms for buoyancy or sound production.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; spelling is consistent. Potential minor difference in pronunciation of 'air'.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general use, but standard in respective biological/zoological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “air sac” in a Sentence
The [noun] contains/has air sacs.Air sacs [verb] in the [noun].Air sacs are connected to the [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “air sac” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system allows birds to ventilate their air sacs efficiently.
- Researchers observed how the insect air-sac rhythmically compressed.
American English
- The bird's unique anatomy pumps air through its air sacs.
- The fungus air-sacs to disperse its spores.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The air-sac system is highly efficient.
- We studied the air-sac membrane structure.
American English
- The air-sac network in birds is complex.
- Air-sac disease can affect poultry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in biology, zoology, physiology, and veterinary science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare; might be encountered in nature documentaries or advanced reading.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Precise anatomical referent.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “air sac”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “air sac”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air sac”
- Confusing 'air sac' (biological) with 'airbag' (safety device).
- Using plural 'air sacs' as a singular noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. In mammals, the tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchioles are called alveoli. 'Air sac' is a broader term that can refer to these, but also to the larger, distinct structures in birds and insects.
Yes, in a specific sense. The alveoli in human lungs are microscopic air sacs where gas exchange occurs. We do not have the large, distinct air sacs found in birds.
Because it refers to specific internal anatomical structures not visible or discussed in everyday life. Its use is confined to scientific, medical, and educational contexts.
No, 'air sac' is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb form derived from it.
A thin-walled, air-filled cavity, especially in the respiratory systems of birds, insects, or the lungs of mammals.
Air sac is usually technical/scientific in register.
Air sac: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə ˌsæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer ˌsæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny, delicate BALLOON inside a bird or lung—it's a SAC for AIR.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not strongly metaphoric; literal anatomical term]
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of air sacs in bird anatomy?