air sac

noun

1
: one of the air-filled spaces in the body of a bird connected with the air passages of the lungs
2
3
: a thin-walled dilation of a trachea occurring in many insects

Examples of air sac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Scientists learned that air sacs evolved to allow the baleen whale to recycle air while creating vocal sounds. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 But the fossils also suggested that the evolution of air sacs had started by this time. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 26 July 2023 There are two main types of COPD: Emphysema — when the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged — and chronic bronchitis — when airways are constantly inflamed and become inundated with mucus. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2024 The males fan their tails and pump their air sacs up and down. Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 11 Jan. 2024 Sauropods also independently evolved a birdlike lung with air sacs throughout their bodies, making their breathing more efficient and their bodies lighter for their size. Michael D. D'emic, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2023 In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023 Scientifically speaking, the older the eggs are, the more porous the shells become, creating an air sac that separates the membrane (not good). Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2023 Check the Egg Whites Remember the air sacs mentioned in the float test? Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'air sac.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1805, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of air sac was circa 1805

Dictionary Entries Near air sac

Cite this Entry

“Air sac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20sac. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

air sac

noun
1
: one of the air-filled spaces connected with the lungs of a bird
2
: one of the thin-walled microscopic pouches in which gases are exchanged in the lungs

Medical Definition

air sac

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on air sac

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