aorta

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the body's main artery, carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart into the systemic circulation

   The whale's aorta carries blood from its heart toward the rest of its body.

2. 2
   noun

   figurative: a central route or channel through which vital traffic, people, or resources flow

   The avenue functions as the aorta of the old commercial district.

Via Late Latin aorta from Ancient Greek aorte, the name for the great artery arising from the heart. The Greek noun is related to aeirein, meaning to lift or raise. The figurative sense extends the anatomical image of a vital main channel.

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