artery

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːtəri/

noun (plural arteries)

  • 1any of the muscular-walled tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood (mainly that which has been oxygenated) is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body. Compare with vein (sense 1).
  • 2an important route in a system of roads, rivers, or railway lines: George Street, main artery of Edinburgh’s Golden Mile

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin arteria, from Greek artēria, probably from airein 'raise'