Alveolae

/ælviːˈoʊli/ noun

Definition

Plural of alveola; multiple small cavities, cells, or pocket-like structures, particularly the tiny air sacs in lungs.

Etymology

Latin plural form of 'alveolus'; follows Latin nominative plural conventions for '-a' ending words.

Kelly Says

Scientists prefer 'alveoli' in modern English, but alveolae is the classical Latin plural—it's the linguistic version of an archaeological artifact, showing how scientific language evolved from pure Latin to mixed forms.

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