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.
Derivatives:
tracheal adj. tracheate adj.
Etymology: ME f. med.L, LL trachia f. Gk trakheia (arteria) rough (artery), f. trakhus rough