vascular

adjective

vas·​cu·​lar ˈva-skyə-lər How to pronounce vascular (audio)
: of, relating to, or affecting a channel for the conveyance of a body fluid (such as blood of an animal or sap of a plant) or a system of such channels
vascular cells
vascular diseases
a vascular surgeon
also : supplied with or made up of such channels and especially blood vessels
a vascular tumor
a vascular system

Examples of vascular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The environment slowed decomposition, allowing the delicate vascular network to survive long enough to become fossilized. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 Nicotine remains addictive, and studies have raised concerns about its cardiovascular effects, including changes in heart rate, blood pressure and underlying vascular function. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 Really around our signature programs in heart and vascular, the neurosciences, cancer, pediatrics, critical care, and trauma. — CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026 That vascular endorsement lends credibility to a category that could otherwise read as wellness-adjacent. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vascular

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vāsculāris, from Latin vāsculum "small vessel" (from vās "container" + -culum, diminutive suffix) + -āris -ar — more at vas

First Known Use

circa 1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vascular was circa 1673

Phrases Containing vascular

Rhymes for vascular

See All Rhymes for vascular

Browse Nearby Words

vascul-
vascular
vascular bundle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vascular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vascular. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vascular

adjective
vas·​cu·​lar ˈvas-kyə-lər How to pronounce vascular (audio)
: of or relating to a tube or channel for carrying a body fluid (as blood of an animal or sap of a plant) or to a system of such channels or tubes
also : supplied with or made up of such channels or tubes
a vascular system
vascular tissue

Medical Definition

vascular

adjective
vas·​cu·​lar ˈvas-kyə-lər How to pronounce vascular (audio)
1
: of, relating to, constituting, or affecting a tube or a system of tubes for the conveyance of a body fluid (as blood or lymph)
vascular disease
vascular surgical techniques
2
: supplied with or containing ducts and especially blood vessels
a vascular tumor
the vascular layer of the skin
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