aorta
UK: eɪˈɔːtə | US: eɪˈɔːrtə
n. the main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system
The word "aorta" comes directly from the Greek aortē (ἀορτή), meaning "something hung or lifted," derived from the verb aeirō (αἴρω), "to lift." This reflects the ancient anatomical observation of the aorta as the "lifted" or suspended artery emerging from the heart. The term was adopted into Latin as aorta and later into English in the 16th century, retaining its original Greek spelling and meaning.
The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
A rupture in the aorta is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Surgeons successfully repaired the damaged section of her aorta.
The aorta branches into smaller arteries to distribute blood efficiently.
High blood pressure can weaken the walls of the aorta over time.