air bladder

American  

[air blad-er] / ˈɛər ˌblæd ər /

noun

1. a vesicle or sac containing air.

2. Also called swim bladder.  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 British  

noun

1. Also called: swim 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 Scientific  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of air bladder

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

Many fish therefore evolved an internal air bladder that vibrates with passing sounds.

From Science Daily

The stipe, or stem, attaches to the holdfast and supports the blades, which typically float in the water, thanks to air bladders.

From Science Daily

Over the years, engineers updated the basic design with more robust face masks and newer internal padding such as air bladders and gel padding.

From Scientific American

Among the rescue crew were members of the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department, who were tapped to use air bladders to lift the boulder.

From Seattle Times

They’re a long, thin fish that can breathe air through an air bladder like a lung and can live up to four days out of water if they’re kept moist, experts said.

From Washington Post