Relating to or affecting the bronchioles, which are the smallest branches of the airways in the lungs where they meet the air sacs.
From bronchiole (the smallest airways) + -ar (adjective-forming suffix). Bronchiole itself comes from bronchi (plural of bronchus, the main lung airways) + diminutive -ole.
Bronchiolar diseases like bronchiolitis are especially dangerous in infants because their bronchioles are already tiny—when they get inflamed from viruses like RSV, even a small amount of swelling blocks all the air!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.