Definition

Relating to substances that can cause blood vessels to either narrow or widen, affecting blood flow and pressure.

Example

Certain medications are vasoactive and can help manage blood pressure levels.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new medication that has vasoactive properties?

Yeah, I read that it can help with blood circulation.

Exactly! It can either constrict or dilate blood vessels depending on the need.

That's pretty interesting! I wonder how it affects the body overall.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vasoactive → It is formed from "vaso-" (from Latin "vas" meaning vessel) and "active" (from Latin "activus" meaning having the power to act). The term "vasoactive" refers to substances that have the ability to affect blood vessels, either by dilating or constricting them.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vessel' ('vaso-') which relates to blood vessels, and 'active' meaning having the power to act — vasoactive substances are those that actively affect the vessels.

Visually Confused Words