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precava

[ pree-key-vuh, -kah- ]
/ priˈkeɪ və, -ˈkɑ- /

noun, plural pre·ca·vae [pree-key-vee, -kah-vahy]. /priˈkeɪ vi, -ˈkɑ vaɪ/.

See under vena cava.
(in squids) either of a pair of veins that pass through the kidney to the branchial heart.

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Origin of precava

1865–70; pre- + (vena) cava

OTHER WORDS FROM precava

pre·ca·val, adjective

Words nearby precava

precatory, precaution, precautionary, precautionary principle, precautious, precava, precede, precedence, precedency, precedent, precedented
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Medical definitions for precava

precava
[ prē-kā′və, -kä′- ]

n. pl. pre•ca•vae (-vē)

superior vena cava

Other words from precava

pre•ca′val adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.