First Known Use: 1598
Dictionary
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
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Origin of VENA CAVA
New Latin, literally, hollow vein
Medical Dictionary
vena cava
noun ve·na ca·va \ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-və\
plural ve·nae ca·vae \-ni-ˈkā-(ˌ)vē\
Medical Definition of VENA CAVA
: 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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