aerenchyma

[ ai-reng-kuh-muh, ai-ren- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a tissue in certain aquatic plants, consisting of thin-walled cells and large intercellular spaces adapted for internal circulation of air.

aerenchyma

/ ɛəˈrɛŋkɪmə /

noun

1. plant tissue with large air-filled spaces, which is typical of aquatic plants and allows air to reach waterlogged parts

aerenchyma

/ â-rĕng′kə-mə /

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerenchyma¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerenchyma¹

C19: from aer(o)- + Greek enkhuma infusion