arterial

[ahr-teer-ee-uhl]

adjective

1. Physiology.,  pertaining to the blood in the pulmonary vein, in the left side of the heart, and in most arteries, having been oxygenated during its passage through the lungs and being normally bright red.

2. Anatomy.,  of, relating to, or resembling the arteries.

3. being or constituting a main route, channel, or other course of flow or access, often with many branches.

   an arterial highway; an arterial drainage system.

noun

1. a main route, channel, or other course of flow or access.

   funds to resurface the main arterials of the city.

arterial

/ ɑːˈtɪərɪəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affecting an artery or arteries

   arterial disease

2. denoting or relating to the usually bright red reoxygenated blood returning from the lungs or gills that circulates in the arteries

3. being a major route, esp one with many minor branches

   an arterial road

Other Word Forms

• arterially adverb
• nonarterial adjective
• postarterial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arterial¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin artēriālis. See artery, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Recent clinical studies have identified microplastics in atherosclerotic plaques and associated higher concentrations with elevated cardiovascular risk, although it was not clear whether these particles directly cause arterial injury.

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Children who are obese or overweight from an early age have stiffer arteries and thickened arterial lining at 11 to 12 years, with a high risk of later heart disease, type 2 diabetes or stroke.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The CT portion provides detailed anatomy, while the PET portion reveals metabolic activity in tissues. Using both imaging techniques together allows for the measurement of brain stress activity and arterial inflammation in a single scan."

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“I mean, this is a major arterial road, and there’s no other way down to San Diego from Orange County without taking an hour-and-a-half detour.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It is a major arterial junction, where any demonstration would have a serious and significant effect to not only the local area, but also wider London."

Read more on BBC