saphenous vein

noun

, Anatomy.

1. either of two large veins near the surface of the foot, leg, and thigh, one on the inner side and the other on the outer and posterior sides.

saphenous vein

/ sə-fē′nəs /

1. Either of two main superficial veins of the leg, one larger than the other, that begin at the foot. A portion of the larger saphenous vein is often used in surgery for coronary artery bypass graft.

Word History and Origins

Origin of saphenous vein¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

A new sheath may be provided for the tendon by resecting a portion of the great saphenous vein.

From Project Gutenberg