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noun

aorta

ay-AW-tuh

Aorta (noun) means the largest artery in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart out to the rest of the body. Example: “A blockage in the aorta can be life-threatening.”

noun
1
The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart out to the rest of the body.
"A blockage in the aorta can be life-threatening."

How to use aorta

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe main pipe carrying blood away from the heart to the whole body.

Common pairings
aortic valve rupture of the aorta

Word forms

aortas plural, aortae plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A blockage in the _____ can be life-threatening.

Etymology

From Greek aorte, related to a verb meaning "to lift or raise" — describing how the vessel rises from the heart.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for aorta

See all rhymes for aorta →

Frequently asked questions

What does “aorta” mean?

The word “aorta” means the largest artery in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart out to the rest of the body. In plain terms, the main pipe carrying blood away from the heart to the whole body.

How do you pronounce “aorta”?

“Aorta” is pronounced ay-AW-tuh (/eɪˈɔɹtə/ in IPA).

How do you use “aorta” in a sentence?

Here is “aorta” used in a sentence: “A blockage in the aorta can be life-threatening.”

What part of speech is “aorta”?

“Aorta” is a noun.

Where does the word “aorta” come from?

The word “aorta” comes from Greek. From Greek aorte, related to a verb meaning "to lift or raise" — describing how the vessel rises from the heart.

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