artery

From Old French artaire, from Latin artēria (“windpipe, artery”), from Ancient Greek ἀρτηρία (artēría).

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈɑː.tə.ɹi/
• (US) enPR: ärʹtəɹi, IPA^(key): /ˈɑɹ.təɹɪ/

• Audio (US)

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artery (plural arteries)

1. An efferent blood vessel from the heart, conveying blood away from the heart regardless of oxygenation status; see pulmonary artery.
   • 2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist:

     As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels. The reason plaque forms isn’t entirely known, but it seems to be related to high levels of cholesterol inducing an inflammatory response, which can also attract and trap more cellular debris over time.

2. A major transit corridor.

• See also Thesaurus:artery

• aorta
• A-road
• atheroma
• capillary
• circulatory system
• vein

• rarety