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

When that vascular responsiveness is compromised, often by conditions like hypertension, insulin resistance, smoking or chronic inflammation, erectile function suffers. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

The researchers looked specifically at subclinical atherosclerosis, early-stage artery thickening, and major heart and vascular problems over time, such as heart attacks, strokes, hospitalizations, or deaths due to ASVD. —New Atlas, 26 June 2025

The effect was particularly pronounced for vascular dementia, one of the most common subtypes. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

Circulation and Blood Flow May Improve Your blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) make up your body's vascular system. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 24 June 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