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.
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
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
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.