arterial
UK: ɑːˈtɪəriəl | US: ɑːrˈtɪriəl
adj. relating to or affecting an artery or arteries
adj. resembling an artery in structure or function
adj. (of a road or route) major; primary
arterial = arter<windpipe, artery> + ial<adjective suffix>
- arter<windpipe, artery>: From Latin arteria, borrowed from Greek artēria (originally "windpipe," later "artery" due to the observation that arteries were empty after death, thought to carry air).
- ial<adjective suffix>: Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "relating to."
Etymology Origin:
The word arterial traces back to Greek artēria, which initially referred to the windpipe. Ancient anatomists mistakenly believed arteries carried air (due to their emptiness post-mortem), hence the shared root with aero- (air). Over time, artēria narrowed to mean "artery," and the Latin suffix -ialis (via French -ial) was added to form the adjective. The modern sense of "major route" (e.g., arterial road) metaphorically extends from the biological concept of vital pathways.
The patient suffered from severe arterial blockage.
The city’s arterial highways were congested during rush hour.
Oxygen-rich blood flows through the arterial system.
The doctor monitored his arterial pressure closely.
Urban planners prioritized upgrading arterial roads to ease traffic.