venule

[ ven-yool ]

noun

1. a small vein.
2. one of the branches of a vein in the wing of an insect.

venule

/ ˈvɛnjuːl; ˈvɛnjʊlə /

noun

1. anatomy any of the small branches of a vein that receives oxygen-depleted blood from the capillaries and returns it to the heart via the venous system
2. any of the branches of a vein in an insect's wing

Derived Forms

• venular, adjective

Other Words From

• venu·lar adjective
• inter·venu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of venule¹

First recorded in 1840–50, venule is from the Latin word vēnula little vein. See vein, -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of venule¹

C19: from Latin vēnula diminutive of vēna vein

Related Words

• artery
• capillary
• vein