alveolar

adjective

al·ve·o·lar | \ al-ˈvē-(ə-)lər

Definition of alveolar

1 : of, relating to, resembling, or having alveoli especially : of, relating to, or constituting the part of the jaws where the teeth arise, the air-containing compartments of the lungs, or glands with secretory cells about a central space

2 phonetics : articulated with the tip of the tongue touching or near the ridge of bone behind the teeth in the upper jaw \d\, \n\, and \t\ are alveolar consonants.

Other Words from alveolar More Example Sentences Phrases Containing alveolar Learn More About alveolar

Examples of alveolar in a Sentence

The word “two” begins with an alveolar sound.

Recent Examples on the Web The presence of syncytia, along with alveolar destruction and massive blood clotting, are all characteristic of severe Covid-19. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 Jim didn’t have any of the conditions, like lupus or other autoimmune diseases, that usually cause alveolar hemorrhage. — Judi Ketteler, Good Housekeeping, 24 Apr. 2022 When that network of tubes becomes narrowed because of an irritant or infection — some call it an allergy within the lungs — tiny alveolar air sacs are prevented from making a gas exchange that sends oxygen throughout the body. — Bruce Selcraig, San Antonio Express-News, 22 Feb. 2021 Here’s how an infection can begin: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, targets ACE-2 proteins that line the surface of many important human cells, including type II alveolar cells in the lungs. — National Geographic, 14 Oct. 2020 For example, immune cells called alveolar macrophages in the lung suppress inflammation once the threat posed by the pathogen diminishes. — Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2020 In other words, the skulls were left long enough for the alveolar process—the part that holds the teeth in place—to start breaking down. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 15 June 2020 GGOs in chest CT scans can also indicate congestive heart failure, inflammatory interstitial lung diseases, and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (bleeding into the airspaces of the lungs), among other issues. — Leah Groth, Health.com, 16 Apr. 2020 When pneumonia occurs, the thin layer of alveolar cells is damaged by the virus. — USA Today, 14 Mar. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alveolar.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About alveolar

Dictionary Entries Near alveolar

alveola

alveolar

alveolar ducts

Statistics for alveolar

Last Updated

8 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Alveolar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alveolar. Accessed 25 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for alveolar

alveolar

adjective

al·ve·o·lar | \ al-ˈvē-ə-lər

Medical Definition of alveolar

1 : of, relating to, resembling, or having alveoli

2 : of, relating to, or constituting the part of the jaws where the teeth arise, the air-containing cells of the lungs, or glands with secretory cells about a central space