thoracic duct

noun

: the main trunk of the system of lymphatic vessels that lies along the front of the spinal column and opens into the left subclavian vein

Examples of thoracic duct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gentle massage of the lymph node clusters at the neck and collarbone can help clear stagnant fluid, since the thoracic duct returns the majority of the body’s lymph to the bloodstream right at the collarbone. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026

Gentle massage of the node clusters at the neck and collarbone helps move stagnant fluid toward the thoracic duct, the body’s largest lymph vessel, which returns the majority of lymph to the bloodstream right at the collarbone. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for thoracic duct

• abduct
• conduct
• construct
• deduct
• destruct
• induct
• instruct
• obstruct
• aqueduct
• deconstruct
• reconstruct
• bucked

Medical Definition

thoracic duct

noun

: the main trunk of the system of lymphatic vessels that lies along the front of the spinal column, extends from a dilatation behind the aorta and opposite the second lumbar vertebra up through the thorax where it turns to the left and opens into the left subclavian vein, and receives chyle from the intestine and lymph from the abdomen, the lower limbs, and the entire left side of the body

called also left lymphatic duct