vena cava

noun ve·na ca·va \ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-və\

plural ve·nae ca·vae \-(ˌ)nē-ˈkā-(ˌ)vē\

Definition of VENA CAVA

: any of the large veins by which in air-breathing vertebrates the blood is returned to the right atrium of the heart

— vena ca·val \-vəl\ adjective

See vena cava defined for kids

New Latin, literally, hollow vein

First Known Use: 1598

Medical Dictionary

noun ve·na ca·va \ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-və\

plural ve·nae ca·vae \-ni-ˈkā-(ˌ)vē\

: either of two large veins by which the blood is returned to the right atrium of the heart: a : inferior vena cava b : superior vena cava

—vena ca·val \-vəl\ adjective

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