blood pressure

American  

noun

Physiology.

1. the pressure of the blood against the inner walls of the blood vessels, varying in different parts of the body during different phases of contraction of the heart and under different conditions of health, exertion, etc. BP

---

blood pressure British  

noun

1. the pressure exerted by the blood on the inner walls of the arteries, being relative to the elasticity and diameter of the vessels and the force of the heartbeat

---

blood pressure Scientific  

1. The pressure of the blood in the vessels, especially the arteries, as it circulates through the body. Blood pressure varies with the strength of the heartbeat, the volume of blood being pumped, and the elasticity of the blood vessels. Arterial blood pressure is usually measured by means of a sphygmomanometer and reported in millimeters of mercury as a fraction, with the numerator equal to the blood pressure during systole and the denominator equal to the blood pressure during diastole.

2. See more at hypertension hypotension

---

blood pressure Cultural  

1. The pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries. It is expressed in two figures, said to be one “over” the other: the systolic pressure, which is the pressure when the left ventricle of the heart contracts to push the blood through the body; and the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the ventricle relaxes and fills with blood. Blood pressure is affected by the strength of the heartbeat, the volume of blood in the body, the elasticity of the blood vessels, and the age and general health of the person. (See circulatory system.)

---

Etymology

Origin of blood pressure

First recorded in 1870–75

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blood pressure

Some patients already have an elevated risk, including those who have a small optic disc or conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 9, 2026

After struggling with her blood pressure as she lost her first WTA Tour singles match for 16 months, Jodie Burrage checked in with three things: a doctor, a physiotherapist, and her phone.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026

“Indeed, overall, rural life expectancies are lower than for urban areas. Rates of smoking, obesity and chronic conditions such as high blood pressure are higher in rural communities.”

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026

The results revealed notable differences between the groups, particularly in how well their blood vessels functioned and how their blood pressure changed over time.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026

A pounding started up in my ears, as if my blood pressure had shot up above normal, which is what Mum says happens to her when Kat drives her distracted.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---