ˈair-ˌcell
[air- 7.]
Any cell or small cavity filled with air; esp. in pl. a. Small cells in the lungs of animals, forming the extremities of the ultimate ramifications of the bronchial tubes. b. Intercellular spaces or lacunæ in the stems, etc. of plants; air-cavities.
| 1787 Sir J. Hawkins Johnson 590 (Jod.) The aircells of the lungs unusually distended. 1855 Owen Skel. & Teeth 7 An air-cell, or prolongation of the lung,..lines the cavity of the bone. 1860 Tyndall Glac. i. §7. 56 Compact ice, filled with innumerable air-cells. |