tracheid

[ trey-kee-id ]

noun

, Botany.

1. an elongated, tapering xylem cell having lignified, pitted, intact walls, adapted for conduction and support. Compare vessel ( def 5 ).

tracheid

/ trəˈkiːɪdəl; ˌtreɪkɪˈaɪdəl; ˈtreɪkɪɪd /

noun

1. botany an element of xylem tissue consisting of an elongated lignified cell with tapering ends and large pits

tracheid

/ trā′kē-ĭd,-kēd′ /

1. An elongated, water-conducting cell in xylem, one of the two kinds of tracheary elements. Tracheids have pits where the cell wall is modified into a thin membrane, across which water flows from tracheid to tracheid. The cells die when mature, leaving only their lignified cell walls. Tracheids are found in all vascular plants.
2. Compare vessel element

Derived Forms

• tracheidal, adjective

Other Words From

• tra·che·i·dal [tr, uh, -, kee, -i-dl, trey-kee-, ahyd, -l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tracheid¹

First recorded in 1870–75; trache(a) + -id ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of tracheid¹

C19: from trachea (in the sense: a vessel in a plant) + -id ²

Example Sentences

As a rule buckling of a tracheid begins at the bordered pits which form places of least resistance in the walls.

From Project Gutenberg

One to two large, simple pits to each tracheid on the radial walls of the cells of the pith ray.

From Project Gutenberg

One or two large pits to each tracheid on the radial walls of each cell of the pith ray.

From Project Gutenberg