alveolus

 
Pronunciation: /ˌalvɪˈəʊləs, alˈvɪələs/

noun (plural alveoli /-lʌɪ, -liː/)

chiefly Anatomy
  • a small cavity, pit, or hollow, in particular:
  • any of the many tiny air sacs of the lungs which allow for rapid gaseous exchange.
  • the bony socket for the root of a tooth.
  • an acinus (sac-like cavity) in a gland.

Derivatives

alveolate

Pronunciation: /alˈvɪələt/
adjective

Origin:

late 17th century: from Latin, 'small cavity', diminutive of alveus