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

This allows a higher rate of transpiration as the water and nutrients move through the plant's vascular system. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025

Unlike traditional defibrillators, the electrode is placed outside the blood vessels, reducing risks such as infection or vascular damage. —Christophe Mouton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

As with other stroke types, doctors often treat patients using antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, though some require vascular stenting or surgery, experts say. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Shows promise in mice models The brain is metabolically demanding, depending on a complex vascular system to supply energy and remove waste. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025

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