bloodstream

noun

blood·​stream ˈbləd-ˌstrēm How to pronounce bloodstream (audio)
1
: the flowing blood in a circulatory system
2
: a mainstream of power or vitality
introduce into the economic bloodstream a large amount of moneyHarper's

Examples of bloodstream in a Sentence

The drug is now entering the bloodstream.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As bones break down, calcium, a mineral that helps maintain bone and tooth health, is released into the bloodstream. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025 These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream when inhaled, which can cause inflammation and neurological damage. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 Multiple studies have found that drivers with THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, in their bloodstream are about twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash – either as the cause or as a victim – compared with those who haven’t used drugs or alcohol. Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025 Even short periods of convalescence, from one to three days, increase the likelihood of a condition called deep venous thrombosis, which can cause clots to break loose in the extremities and travel through the bloodstream, passing through the heart and lodging in the lungs. Paul Sisson, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloodstream

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodstream was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bloodstream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodstream. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

bloodstream

noun
blood·​stream -ˌstrēm How to pronounce bloodstream (audio)
: the flowing blood in a living thing with a circulatory system

Medical Definition

bloodstream

noun
blood·​stream -ˌstrēm How to pronounce bloodstream (audio)
: the flowing blood in a circulatory system

More from Merriam-Webster on bloodstream

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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