aerenchyma
[ ai-reng-kuh-muh, ai-ren- ]
/ ɛəˈrɛŋ kə mə, ɛəˈrɛn- /
noun Botany.
a tissue in certain aquatic plants, consisting of thin-walled cells and large intercellular spaces adapted for internal circulation of air.
Nearby words
aerate, aerated, aeration, aerator, aere perennius, aerenchyma, aeri-, aeria, aerial, aerial ladder, aerial mine
Origin of aerenchyma
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for aerenchyma
aerenchyma
/ (ɛəˈrɛŋkɪmə) /
noun
plant tissue with large air-filled spaces, which is typical of aquatic plants and allows air to reach waterlogged parts
Word Origin for aerenchyma
C19: from aer(o)- + Greek enkhuma infusion
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Science definitions for aerenchyma
aerenchyma
[ â-rĕng′kə-mə ]
A spongy tissue with large air spaces found between the cells of the stems and leaves of aquatic plants. Aerenchyma provides buoyancy and allows the circulation of gases.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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