circulatory

adjective

cir·​cu·​la·​to·​ry ˈsər-kyə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: of or relating to circulation or the circulatory system

circulatory failure

Examples of circulatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But our hunt for mysterious circulatory neurons is far from over. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026

Donation after circulatory death can be an option if someone has a nonsurvivable injury but all brain function hasn't ceased, and the family chooses to end life support. — ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026

The circulatory changes that accompany a yawn may also transiently increase blood flow to the brain, which helps to sharpen alertness during the foggy moments of state transition. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026

The marrow also responds to signals such as infection, inflammation and blood loss by adjusting blood cell production, making the skeleton closely connected to both the circulatory and immune systems. — Priya Bhardwaj, The Conversation, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing circulatory

• circulatory system

Rhymes for circulatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory
• consolatory

Kids Definition

circulatory

adjective

cir·​cu·​la·​to·​ry ˈsər-kyə-lə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

: of or relating to circulation or the circulatory system

Medical Definition

circulatory

adjective

cir·​cu·​la·​to·​ry ˈsər-kyə-lə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

: of or relating to circulation or the circulatory system

circulatory failure