Alveolus

Origin

From Latin alveolus, a diminutive of alveus ("a tray, trough, basin"), from alvus ("the belly, the stomach, bowels, womb, etc.").

Full definition of alveolus

Noun

1. A small cavity or pit.
2. (anatomy) an anatomical structure that has the form of a hollow cavity
3. (anatomy) a small air sac in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged with the blood.

Synonyms

• (air sac in lung) pulmonary alveolus

Derived terms

• alveolar
• alveolate
• dental alveolus (syn. tooth socket)