vas deferens

[ vas def-uh-renz, -er-uhnz ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

, plural va·sa de·fe·ren·ti·a [vey, -s, uh, def-, uh, -, ren, -shee-, uh, -sh, uh].

1. the duct that transports the sperm from the epididymis to the penis.

vas deferens

/ ˈvæs ˈdɛfəˌrɛnz /

noun

1. anatomy the duct that conveys spermatozoa from the epididymis to the urethra

vas deferens

/ văs′dĕf′ə-rĕnz′ /

, Plural vasa deferentia vā′zədĕf′ə-rĕn′shē-ə

1. Either of two ducts through which sperm passes from a testis to the outside of the body. In mammals, the vas deferens connects the testis to the urethra.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vas deferens¹

First recorded in 1880–85, vas deferens is from New Latin vās dēferēns literally, “vessel for carrying off.” See vas, deferent ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of vas deferens¹

C16: from New Latin, from Latin vās vessel + deferēns, present participle of deferre to bear away

Example Sentences

Vasalgel, a reversible form of male birth control, just took one step closer to your vas deferens.

From The Daily Beast

Vasalgel, a reversible, non-hormonal polymer that blocks the vas deferens, is about to enter human trials.

From The Daily Beast

This epithelium is found lining parts of the respiratory passages, the vas deferens and the epididymis.

From Project Gutenberg

Analogy would certainly lead us to expect the ureter to serve in Ganoids as the vas deferens.

From Project Gutenberg

The main function of the Wolffian duct in the male is, however, that of a vas deferens.

From Project Gutenberg

The Wolffian duct itself becomes much contorted and acts as vas deferens.

From Project Gutenberg

In vesiculotomy great care must be taken not to cut the vas deferens.

From Project Gutenberg