precava

[ pree-key-vuh, -kah- ]

noun

, plural pre·ca·vae [pree-, key, -vee, -, kah, -vahy].

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

Other Words From

• pre·caval adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of precava¹

1865–70; pre- + (vena) cava