alveola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (extremely rare)Technical/Medical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “alveola” mean?
A small pit, cavity, or socket, such as a tooth socket or a small cell in a honeycomb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small pit, cavity, or socket, such as a tooth socket or a small cell in a honeycomb.
A term used in biology and anatomy to denote any small pit, cavity, or saclike structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional preference. The word is so rare and technical that any differences are negligible. "Alveolus" is overwhelmingly preferred in both dialects.
Connotations
Highly specific, academic, and precise. No emotional or cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely infrequent in both dialects, with "alveolus" being the standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “alveola” in a Sentence
the alveola of [noun]an alveola in [noun]alveolae containing [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced biological, anatomical, or dental texts as a precise synonym for "alveolus".
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Found in specialized papers and reference books describing microscopic or anatomical structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alveola”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alveola”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alveola”
- Using "alveola" in general contexts. Use "alveolus" or a simpler term like "air sac" or "socket".
- Incorrect plural: "alveolas" instead of "alveolae".
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare. The standard term is 'alveolus'.
The plural is 'alveolae'.
Almost exclusively in highly technical, scientific literature in fields like anatomy, biology, or dentistry.
Always use 'alveolus'. 'Alveola' is a non-standard variant that may confuse readers or be seen as an error.
A small pit, cavity, or socket, such as a tooth socket or a small cell in a honeycomb.
Alveola is usually technical/medical/scientific in register.
Alveola: in British English it is pronounced /ˌalvɪˈəʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌælvɪˈoʊlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny LEO (lion) living in a small CAVE (cavity) in a tooth. A-lve-ola: a tiny CAVE-ola for a tooth.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (a small, defined space holding something).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common and standard synonym for the rare term 'alveola'?