Definition

A type of blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to different parts of the body.

Example

The doctor explained how the artery supplies oxygen-rich blood to the organs.

Conversation

Did you know that the main artery in our body is the aorta?

Really? I had no idea it was that important!

Yeah, it carries blood from the heart to all the other arteries.

That makes sense — it’s like the main highway for blood flow!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Artery → It is derived from the Latin word 'arteria' (meaning windpipe or air duct), which in turn comes from the Greek 'ἀρτηρία' (artēria, meaning artery or duct). The term originally referred to the concept of carrying air, as arteries were thought to carry air to the body rather than blood. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer specifically to blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word 'artēria' meaning a duct or channel — this helps you remember that an artery is a channel that carries blood away from the heart.

Visually Confused Words