vagal

[ vey-guhl ]

/ ˈveɪ gəl /

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adjective

of or relating to a vagus nerve.

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Origin of vagal

First recorded in 1850–55; vag(us) + -al¹

Words nearby vagal

vae victis, vag, vagabond, vagabondage, vagabond's disease, vagal, vagal attack, vagal block, vagal trunk, vagarious, vagary

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use vagal in a sentence

Increased vagal tone enhances emotional expression in the face, the inner ear’s ability to tune itself to the frequencies most associated with human speech, and the larynx’s ability to relax and produce tones in a more soothing range.
The Transcendence of Tantric Sex - Issue 104: Harmony|David DeSteno|August 18, 2021|Nautilus
In children, for example, heightened vagal tone predicts more positive emotions, fewer problematic behaviors toward others, and increased social skills.
The Transcendence of Tantric Sex - Issue 104: Harmony|David DeSteno|August 18, 2021|Nautilus
As vagal tone goes up, the release of stress hormones in the body goes down.
The Transcendence of Tantric Sex - Issue 104: Harmony|David DeSteno|August 18, 2021|Nautilus
In adults, greater vagal tone is associated with better social connectedness, enhanced well-being, and greater empathy for others.
The Transcendence of Tantric Sex - Issue 104: Harmony|David DeSteno|August 18, 2021|Nautilus

Direct manipulation of vagal tone through touch, breath control, and gaze aren’t the only arrows tantric sex has in its quiver.
The Transcendence of Tantric Sex - Issue 104: Harmony|David DeSteno|August 18, 2021|Nautilus
Hanging can trigger a reflex known as vagal inhibition, which can instantly stop the heart.
Mary Kennedy’s Last Days: Distress From RFK Divorce, New Girlfriend|Michael Daly|May 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
In babies with the form of the gene that was not associated with risky behavior, vagal tone did decrease, which is what you want.
How Moms Make a Difference|Sharon Begley|May 7, 2011|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for vagal

vagal

/ (ˈveɪɡəl) /

adjective

anatomy of, relating to, or affecting the vagus nervevagal inhibition

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for vagal

vagal

[ vā′gəl ]

adj.

Of or relating to the vagus nerve.