vascular

adjective

vas·​cu·​lar ˈva-skyə-lər 

: of, relating to, or affecting a channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (such as blood of an animal or sap of a plant) or a system of such channels

vascular cells

vascular diseases

a vascular surgeon

also : supplied with or made up of such channels and especially blood vessels

a vascular tumor

a vascular system

Examples of vascular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, after eight years of investigation, the Aarhus team has finally decoded this vascular paradox. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026

However, what distinguishes dragon’s blood from sap that flows steadily within the vascular system of many trees is that Dracaena’s red resin is secreted externally solely in response to damage, like actual blood. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

While McKee was working as a vascular surgeon in Las Vegas, one of his patients filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in 2024. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

Penumbra makes cardiovascular medical devices, so this deal will give Boston Scientific — already one of the biggest heart and vascular device makers — an even stronger hold in the cardiovascular market. —Bob Herman, STAT, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vāsculāris, from Latin vāsculum "small vessel" (from vās "container" + -culum, diminutive suffix) + -āris -ar — more at vas

First Known Use

circa 1673, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vascular

• vascular bundle
• vascular cylinder
• vascular plant
• vascular ray
• vascular tissue
• water-vascular system

Rhymes for vascular

• avascular
• cardiovascular
• cerebrovascular
• extravascular
• intravascular
• microvascular
• neurovascular
• perivascular
• renovascular

Kids Definition

vascular

adjective

vas·​cu·​lar ˈvas-kyə-lər 

: of or relating to a tube or channel for carrying a body fluid (as blood of an animal or sap of a plant) or to a system of such channels or tubes

also : supplied with or made up of such channels or tubes

a vascular system

vascular tissue

Medical Definition

vascular

adjective

vas·​cu·​lar ˈvas-kyə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, constituting, or affecting a tube or a system of tubes for the conveyance of a body fluid (as blood or lymph)

vascular disease

vascular surgical techniques

2

: supplied with or containing ducts and especially blood vessels

a vascular tumor

the vascular layer of the skin