alveolus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “alveolus” mean?
A small cavity, pit, or socket, especially one of the many tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small cavity, pit, or socket, especially one of the many tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
In anatomy and biology, the term also refers to the socket in the jawbone where a tooth is anchored, or any small pit-like structure in various organisms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the same spelling and pronunciation.
Connotations
Purely technical/medical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “alveolus” in a Sentence
The alveolus [verb e.g., exchanges, is located]...In the alveolus, [process e.g., oxygen diffuses]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alveolus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The alveolar ridge is crucial for speech.
American English
- Alveolar gas exchange is highly efficient.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and dental textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Used precisely to describe specific anatomical structures.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alveolus”
- Misspelling as 'alveolous' or 'alviolus'.
- Using it as a countable noun in singular form when the plural 'alveoli' is more appropriate for the lung context.
- Mispronouncing the stress (e.g., /ˈæl.vi.ə.ləs/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is 'alveoli' (pronounced /ælˈviː.ə.laɪ/ or /ˌæl.viˈəʊ.laɪ/).
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in medical, biological, and dental contexts.
A bronchus is a larger airway tube leading into the lungs, while an alveolus is the tiny, balloon-like sac at the end of the airway where actual gas exchange happens.
Yes, in biology, it can refer to similar small cavity structures in other organisms, such as in honeycombs or certain glands.
A small cavity, pit, or socket, especially one of the many tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
Alveolus is usually technical/academic in register.
Alveolus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæl.viˈəʊ.ləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ælˈviː.ə.ləs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms featuring 'alveolus'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ALVE' like 'ALVE' in 'valve' – a tiny opening or gate for air, and 'OLUS' reminding you of 'small' (like 'minuscule'). A small valve-like air sac.
Conceptual Metaphor
The alveolus is a microscopic balloon or a biological air pouch.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would you most likely encounter the word 'alveolus'?