blood vessel

American  

noun

1. any of the vessels, as arteries, veins, or capillaries, through which the blood circulates.

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blood vessel British  

noun

1. an artery, capillary, or vein

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blood vessel Scientific  

1. An elastic tube or passage in the body through which blood circulates; an artery, a vein, or a capillary.

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Etymology

Origin of blood vessel

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

"I had emergency surgery because the blood vessels hadn't connected properly," she says.

From BBC

Areas around the nose are particularly risky injection sites, says Dr Sigrist, because nasal blood vessels communicate with some very important parts of the head.

From BBC

As calcium levels fall, the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls relax, causing vasodilation and a drop in blood pressure.

From Science Daily

His injury turned out to be a burst blood vessel, which meant the promising football player had to spend two months out of training, resting his leg and regularly applying ice until it healed.

From BBC

Young adults spend an estimated six hours a day seated, and extended sitting is known to reduce how well blood vessels function.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• artery
• capillary
• vein