vaso-

1. a combining form meaning “vessel,” used in the formation of compound words:

   vasoconstrictor.

vaso-

combining_form

1. indicating a blood vessel

   vasodilator

2. indicating the vas deferens

   vasectomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaso-¹

< Latin vās vessel + -o-

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaso-¹

from Latin vās vessel

Example Sentences

The first that concerns us is the existence of the vaso-motor centre, whose situation and functions have been already described.

From Project Gutenberg

Direct stimulation of the vaso-motor nerves, alone, as has been said, contracts the blood-vessels.

From Project Gutenberg

Severing the same part causes paralysis of the vaso-motor nerves and dilatation of the blood-vessels.

From Project Gutenberg

We spent many days with Vaso, shooting with indifferent results, but revelling in the glories of nature.

From Project Gutenberg

His teaching in regard to mental and nervous disorders due to vaso-motor disturbance also deserves recognition.

From Project Gutenberg

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-?

• vasoactive
• vasodilator
• vasoformation
• vasohypotonic
• vasomotor
• vasoneuropathy
• vasoparalysis
• vasopressor
• vasotonia

Break it down!

Given that vaso- means “(blood) vessel,” what does the procedure of a vasopuncture involve?