vena cava

noun

ve·​na ca·​va ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-və 

plural venae cavae ˌvē-(ˌ)nē-ˈkā-(ˌ)vē 

: any of the large veins by which in air-breathing vertebrates the blood is returned to the right atrium of the heart

vena caval

ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-vəl 

adjective

Examples of vena cava in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sleeping or resting in this position may compress the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart. —Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 2 July 2024

Lying on your back puts the weight of your uterus on your inferior vena cava. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

Compressing either the inferior vena cava or the aorta may decrease blood flow to your baby. —Elisa Cinelli, Parents, 2 July 2024

Avoid lying on your right side or flat on your back, which puts the full weight of your uterus on the vena cava. —Parents Editors, Parents, 17 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin vēna cava, literally, "hollow vein," translation of Greek phlèps koílē

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vena cava

noun

ve·​na ca·​va ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-və 

plural venae cavae ˌvē-ni-ˈkā-vē 

: one of the large veins by which the blood is returned to the right atrium of the heart in an air-breathing vertebrate

Medical Definition

vena cava

noun

ve·​na ca·​va ˌvē-nə-ˈkā-və 

plural venae cavae -ni-ˈkā-(ˌ)vē 

: either of two large veins by which the blood is returned to the right atrium of the heart:

a

: inferior vena cava

b

: superior vena cava

vena caval

-vəl 

adjective