bronchus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “bronchus” mean?
Either of the two main branches of the trachea (windpipe) that lead into the lungs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Either of the two main branches of the trachea (windpipe) that lead into the lungs.
Any of the primary or secondary air passages in the lungs formed by the division of the trachea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely anatomical/medical in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “bronchus” in a Sentence
The [adjective] bronchusA [noun] in the bronchus[Verb] the bronchusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bronchus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The bronchial lining was inflamed.
- He has a bronchial infection.
American English
- The bronchial mucosa was examined.
- She suffers from bronchial asthma.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and health science texts and lectures.
Everyday
Rarely used; laypeople might say 'breathing tube' or 'airway'.
Technical
Core term in pulmonology, radiology, anatomy, and surgery reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bronchus”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bronchus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bronchus”
- Incorrect plural: 'bronchuses' (correct: 'bronchi').
- Mispronunciation: /ˈbrɒntʃəs/ or /broʊnˈtʃuːs/.
- Confusing 'bronchus' with 'trachea'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The trachea (windpipe) is the single tube connecting the larynx to the lungs. The bronchi are the two main branches that split from the trachea and enter the lungs.
Yes, the two primary bronchi further subdivide into many smaller secondary and tertiary bronchi within each lung, forming the bronchial tree.
No, it is a specialist medical term. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to refer to 'airways' or 'breathing tubes'.
The adjective form is 'bronchial', as in 'bronchial tubes' or 'bronchial inflammation'.
Either of the two main branches of the trachea (windpipe) that lead into the lungs.
Bronchus is usually technical/medical in register.
Bronchus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɒŋkəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɑːŋkəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRONZE CHOKE-US' -> The bronchi bring air, but if blocked, they could 'choke us'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRONCHUS IS A TREE BRANCH (part of the 'bronchial tree').
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of 'bronchus'?