aorta

Definition

The great artery which carries the blood from the heart to all parts of the body except the lungs; the main trunk of the arterial system.

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀορτή (aortḗ, “the arteries springing from the heart”), from ἀορτέω (aortéō), lengthened form of ἀείρω (aeírō, “I lift, raise”).

Example Sentences

• "Tracing their battles, I had many occasions to walk along Second Avenue, the aorta of the Lower East Side, exploring places that were once as vibrant and tumultuous as Midtown Manhattan."