Main Entry: ven·tri·cle

Pronunciation: \ˈven-tri-kəl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ventriculus, from diminutive of ventr-, venter belly

Date: 14th century

: a cavity of a bodily part or organ: as a : a chamber of the heart which receives blood from a corresponding atrium and from which blood is forced into the arteries — see heart illustration b : any of a system of communicating cavities in the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord — see brain illustration