/
trəˈkiːə,
ˈtreɪkɪə/
n.
(pl. tracheae
/-ˈkiːiː/
or tracheas)
- Anatomy the membranous tube, reinforced by rings of cartilage, conveying air between the larynx and the bronchial tubes; the windpipe.
- Entomology an air passage in the body of an insect.
- Botany a duct or vessel in a plant.
Derivative
- tracheal
/ˈtreɪkɪəl/
adj. - tracheate
/ˈtreɪkɪeɪt/
adj.
Etymology
ME: from med. L., from late L. trachia, from Gk trakheia (artēria) ‘rough (artery)’.
