Word
arterial
Phoneticsar·te·ri·al, stress on the second syllable
US/ɑɹˈtɪɹiəɫ/
UK/ɑːtˈiəɹɪəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the tubes that carry blood away from your heart, or describing a main road that carries a lot of traffic.
adj. relating to the vessels that transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the body; also describes major transport routes within a network.
Examples
“The city is improving its arterial roads to reduce traffic.”
“Doctors monitored the patient's arterial blood pressure closely during the complex surgical procedure.”
“The urban planning committee focused on widening arterial thoroughfares to accommodate the projected increase in commuter traffic from the expanding northern suburbs.”
Examples
simple
“The city is improving its arterial roads to reduce traffic.”
contextual
“Doctors monitored the patient's arterial blood pressure closely during the complex surgical procedure.”
complex
“The urban planning committee focused on widening arterial thoroughfares to accommodate the projected increase in commuter traffic from the expanding northern suburbs.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; in medical contexts, it specifically refers to the systemic circulation.
Real-World Examples
“The city said it finished more than 1,000 service requests , and expressways and arterial roads are now clear, with work continuing on local roads.” “State and territory governments generally manage major arterial and state roads, while local councils maintain most local roads.” Etymology
From artery + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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