Definition of vas deferens
vasa deferentia
play \ˈvā-zə-ˌde-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ē-)ə\: a sperm-carrying duct especially of a higher vertebrate that in the human male is a thick-walled tube about two feet (0.61 meters) long that begins at and is continuous with the tail of the epididymis and eventually joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct
Explore M-W
Origin and Etymology of vas deferens
borrowed from New Latin vās deferens, literally, “downward-conveying vessel”
First Known Use: 1578
Medical Dictionary
vas deferens
playMedical Definition of vas deferens
vasa deferentia
\-ˌdef-ə-ˈren-ch(ē-)ə\play: a sperm-carrying duct especially of a higher vertebrate that in humans is a small but thick-walled tube about two feet (0.6 meter) long formed by the union of the vasa efferentia, is greatly convoluted in its proximal portion, begins at and is continuous with the tail of the epididymis, runs in the spermatic cord through the inguinal canal, and descends into the pelvis where it joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct—called also ductus deferens, spermatic duct
Illustration of vas deferens
Learn More about vas deferens
-
See words that rhyme with vas deferens Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vas deferens
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up vas deferens? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!