n. (pl. tracheae) 1 the passage reinforced by rings of cartilage, through which air reaches the bronchial tubes from the larynx; the windpipe. 2 each of the air passages in the body of an insect etc. 3 any duct or vessel in a plant. tracheal adj. tracheate adj.
[ ME f. med.L, = LL trachia f. Gk trakheia (arteria) rough (artery), f. trakhus rough ]