vasomotor

adjective

va·​so·​mo·​tor ˌvā-zə-ˈmō-tər How to pronounce vasomotor (audio)
: of, relating to, or being nerves or the centers (as in the medulla oblongata or spinal cord) from which they arise that regulate the amount of blood passing to a particular body part or organ by controlling the internal diameter of blood vessels

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + motor entry 2, after French vaso-moteur

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vasomotor was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near vasomotor

Cite this Entry

“Vasomotor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasomotor. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

vasomotor

adjective
va·​so·​mo·​tor ˌvā-zō-ˈmōt-ər How to pronounce vasomotor (audio)
: of, relating to, affecting, or being those nerves or the centers (as in the medulla and spinal cord) from which they arise that supply the muscle fibers of the walls of blood vessels, include sympathetic vasoconstrictors and parasympathetic vasodilators, and by their effect on vascular diameter regulate the amount of blood passing to a particular body part or organ
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