coronary

UK: /ˈkɒr.ən.ər.i/ | US: /ˈkɔːr.ə.ner.i/

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or affecting the arteries that supply blood to the heart

  2. adj. resembling or shaped like a crown

  3. n. (coronary artery) a specific artery supplying blood to the heart

Structure
coron <crown>ary <relating to>
Etymology

coronary = coron<crown> + ary<relating to>

  • coron (from Latin corona, meaning "crown")
  • ary (adjective-forming suffix, from Latin -arius, indicating relation or connection)

Etymology Origin:
The word coronary traces back to the Latin corona ("crown"), reflecting the anatomical structure of the coronary arteries, which encircle the heart like a crown. The suffix -ary was added in Late Latin (coronarius) to denote association, later adopted into Middle English via Old French. The medical sense emerged in the 17th century, emphasizing the arteries' crown-like path around the heart.

Examples

  1. He underwent surgery to clear a blocked coronary artery.

  2. Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide.

  3. The artist sketched a coronary pattern of veins in the leaf.

  4. Regular exercise reduces the risk of coronary complications.

  5. The ancient crown’s design mimicked the coronary shape of arteries.