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saphena

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /səˈfiːnə/

KK: /səˈfiːnə/

noun
Definition

A type of vein or nerve in the body, specifically referring to the saphenous vein which runs along the leg.


Example

The surgeon carefully examined the saphena during the procedure.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about the saphena vein?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's one of the major veins in the leg, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It runs alongside the other veins and is pretty important.
Sloth B
That’s interesting! I didn't know it had such a crucial role.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
vein
artery
nerve
Antonyms
muscle
tissue
organ
Root Explanation

**Saphena** → The word 'saphena' comes from Latin 'saphena', which is derived from the Greek 'saphēnē' (σφαίνε), meaning clear or manifest. The term originally referred to the saphenous vein, which is a prominent vein in the leg that is easily seen or clear. Thus, 'saphena' relates to something that is clear or evident, particularly in a medical context.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for clear ('saphēnē') to remember that 'saphena' refers to something that is clear or easily seen, like the prominent vein in the leg.

Visually Confused Words
synaphea
sphecina
snaphead
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