dead space

noun

: the portion of the respiratory system which is external to the bronchioles and through which air must pass to reach the bronchioles and alveoli

Examples of dead space in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yes, but: Smithson said two feet of dead space in the ceiling should lessen noise and promised to point speakers down, away from apartments. Jason Clayworth, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024 Architects realized that dead space on all sides could be used creatively: All the HVAC and electrical equipment could be moved from the basement and suspended in the gap above the building, and the unused side gaps, all five floors, could be reclaimed for the orchestra. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024 Photograph: Christopher Null The 16-inch display provides ample room for a spacious keyboard, though there's no numeric keypad, leaving lots of dead space on either side. Christopher Null, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2024 The new Framework display panel has gently rounded corners, which both Windows and Linux OSes just treat as small patches of dead space. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dead space 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dead space was circa 1923

Dictionary Entries Near dead space

Cite this Entry

“Dead space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dead%20space. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

dead space

noun
1
: space in the respiratory system in which air does not undergo significant gaseous exchange see anatomical dead space, physiological dead space
2
: a space (as that in the chest following excision of a lung) left in the body as the result of a surgical procedure
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!