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.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of aerenchyma

From New Latin, dating back to 1895–1900; see origin at aer-, parenchyma

Words nearby aerenchyma

aerate, aerated, aeration, aerator, aere perennius, aerenchyma, aeri-, aeria, aerial, aerial ladder, aerial mine
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific 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 Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.