[ai-reng-kuh-muh, ai-ren-] 
| a tissue in certain aquatic plants, consisting of thin-walled cells and large intercellular spaces adapted for internal circulation of air. |
aer·en·chy·ma (â-rěng'kə-mə)  (click for larger image in new window) n. A spongy tissue with large air spaces found between the cells of the stems and leaves of aquatic plants, providing buoyancy and allowing the circulation of gases. [New Latin : aer(o)- + Greek enkhuma, filling (from enkhein, to pour in : en-, in; see en-2 + khein, to pour; see chyme).] |
| aerenchyma (â-rěng'kə-mə) Pronunciation Key
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. |
kə