air bladder

[ air blad-er ]

noun

1. a vesicle or sac containing air.
2. Also called gas bladder, Ichthyology. a gas-filled sac located against the roof of the body cavity of most bony fishes, originally functioning only as a lung, now serving in many higher fishes to regulate hydrostatic pressure.

air bladder

noun

1. Also calledswim bladder ichthyol an air-filled sac, lying above the alimentary canal in bony fishes, that regulates buoyancy at different depths by a variation in the pressure of the air
2. any air-filled sac, such as one of the bladders of seaweeds

air bladder

1. An air-filled sac in many fish that helps maintain buoyancy or, in some species, helps in respiration, sound production, or hearing.
2. Also called swim bladder
3. See float

Word History and Origins

Origin of air bladder¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

The air bladder therefore assists the ear of the catfish as the tympanum and its bones assist the ear of the higher animals.

From Project Gutenberg

In the great majority of fishes, a curious sac or bag known as the swimming or air bladder is found.

From Project Gutenberg

Then also, this elaborate air-bladder communicates with the mouth and throat by a tube, which corresponds to a windpipe.

From Project Gutenberg

These fishes generally have an air-bladder, and the gills lie close together in a cavity covered by an operculum.

From Project Gutenberg

The dorsal and ventral fins are both very long; and, as is usual with bottom fishes, the swimming or air bladder is absent.

From Project Gutenberg