# arterial

/ɑɹˈtɪɹiəɫ/ (US) · /ɑːtˈiəɹɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arterial
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

relating to the tubes that carry blood away from your heart, or describing a main road that carries a lot of traffic.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; in medical contexts, it specifically refers to the systemic circulation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.