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vaso-
- a combining form meaning “vessel,” used in the formation of compound words:
vasoconstrictor.
vaso-
combining_form
- indicating a blood vessel
vasodilator
- indicating the vas deferens
vasectomy
Word History and Origins
Origin of vaso-1
Example Sentences
The first that concerns us is the existence of the vaso-motor centre, whose situation and functions have been already described.
Direct stimulation of the vaso-motor nerves, alone, as has been said, contracts the blood-vessels.
Severing the same part causes paralysis of the vaso-motor nerves and dilatation of the blood-vessels.
We spent many days with Vaso, shooting with indifferent results, but revelling in the glories of nature.
His teaching in regard to mental and nervous disorders due to vaso-motor disturbance also deserves recognition.
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Words That Use vaso-
What does vaso- mean?
Vaso- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “vessel,” typically referring to blood vessels, such as veins and arteries. It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.
In some instances, such as vasotomy, vaso- specifically refers to the vas deferens, the duct that carries sperm to the penis.
Vaso- comes from the Latin vās, meaning “vessel.” The Latin vās is also the source of the word vase, which is, after all, a type of vessel—often for flowers! And the diminutive form of vās is vāsculum, literally “little vessel”; it’s the source of the word vascular, commonly encountered in cardiovascular.
Learn more about cardio- at our Words That Use cardio- and Words That Use cardi- articles.
What are variants of vaso-?
When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, vaso- becomes vas-, as in vasectomy.
Examples of vaso-
One medical term that features vaso- is vasoconstriction, which is the constriction (“drawing or pressing in”) of the blood vessels (vaso-). When vasoconstriction happens, blood pressure increases.
The opposite of vasoconstriction is vasodilation, the dilation (“widening or expanding”) of blood vessels, which is often done with drugs to help manage blood pressure.
Knowing a little etymology can indeed help make hard words like vasoconstriction and vasodilation more manageable.
What are some words that use the combining form vaso-?
Break it down!
Given that vaso- means “(blood) vessel,” what does the procedure of a vasopuncture involve?
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