aorta

noun aor·ta \ ā-ˈȯr-tə \

Definition of aorta

plural aortas or aortae play \-tē\

:the great arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body — see heart illustration

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aortic

play \-ˈȯr-tik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of aorta from the Web

Ragland was expected to be a first-round pick last year but was diagnosed with an enlarged aorta during the pre-draft process.

— terez a. paylor, kansascity, "Chiefs trade for inside linebacker Reggie Ragland, release Josh Mauga," 28 Aug. 2017
Alan, of course, would be Alan Thicke, Robin's father, who died suddenly in December at 69 from a ruptured aorta after collapsing on an ice rink.

— christie d'zurilla, latimes.com, "Robin Thicke and girlfriend April Love Geary are expecting a baby," 18 Aug. 2017
This one in particular weighs nearly 400 pounds and measures approximately six-and-a-half feet in height when its aorta and other greater vessels are taken into account.

— jennifer nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Painstaking Process of Preserving a 400-Pound Blue Whale Heart," 22 July 2017
Intending to rob the guard, Silver walked up to the car and fired at the guard, penetrating the man’s aorta, spraying blood all over the gunman, prosecutors said.

— david ovalle, miamiherald, "Miami murder trial may test Florida’s new death-penalty law," 28 June 2017
But the post lost much of its prestige after Ambassador Richard Holbrooke -- the powerhouse diplomat who first held the job -- died in 2010 of a torn aorta.

— elise labott, CNN, "State Department to eliminate special envoy on Afghanistan, Pakistan," 23 June 2017
Abdominal bleeding can also be stopped with the device, if it is pushed higher into the aorta.

— denise grady, New York Times, "Inspired by War Zones, Balloon Device May Save Civilians From Fatal Blood Loss," 19 June 2017
The pelvic area is home to the iliac blood vessels, which include major arteries that branch off the aorta, the main route that carries oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Prospect of Trump firing Mueller keeps becoming more untenable," 16 June 2017
If the iliac artery or aorta are damaged, blood loss would be rapid and significant.

— john torres, NBC News, "Scalise Remains in Critical Condition, More Surgeries Planned," 16 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aorta.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of aorta

New Latin, from Greek aortē, from aeirein to lift

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First Known Use: 1543

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

AORTA Defined for English Language Learners

aorta

noun

Definition of aorta for English Language Learners

: the large artery that brings blood from the heart to the rest of the body

AORTA Defined for Kids

aorta

noun aor·ta \ ā-ˈȯr-tə \

Definition of aorta for Students

:the main artery that carries blood from the heart for distribution to all parts of the body

Medical Dictionary

aorta

noun aor·ta \ ā-ˈȯrt-ə \

medical Definition of aorta

plural aortas or aortae play \-ē\

:the large arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body

Illustration of aorta

Learn More about aorta

Spanish Central: Translation of aorta Nglish: Translation of aorta for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of aorta for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aorta

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aorta

Definition of aorta

aortic

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Origin and Etymology of aorta

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aorta

Definition of aorta for English Language Learners

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aorta

Definition of aorta for Students

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aorta

medical Definition of aorta

Illustration of aorta

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