# coronary

/ˈkɔɹəˌnɛɹi/ (US) · /kˈɒɹənəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coronary
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. relating to the heart's blood vessels

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

relating to the arteries that surround the heart and supply it with blood.

For teachers: relating to or denoting the arteries which surround and supply the heart muscle. The term derives from the Latin 'coronarius', meaning crown-like.

- The doctor explained that he had coronary heart disease, which meant his arteries were narrow.
- Advanced coronary imaging revealed significant plaque buildup in the left anterior descending artery, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'artery', 'disease', or 'bypass'.

### 2. a heart attack

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · British English

a sudden blockage of blood to the heart, often called a heart attack.

For teachers: a coronary thrombosis; a blockage of the flow of blood to the heart caused by a blood clot in a coronary artery.

- He had a coronary last year but has since made a full recovery.
- The patient was rushed to the emergency department after suffering a massive coronary while at work.

Teaching tip: In informal British English, this is often used as a shorthand for a heart attack; in American English, 'heart attack' is much more common.

### 3. crown-like

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

shaped like a crown or garland.

For teachers: pertaining to or resembling a crown or garland; encircling a part of the body.

- The ancient text described a coronary wreath placed upon the victor's head.
- The coronary ligament of the liver serves to attach the organ to the inferior surface of the diaphragm.

## Examples

- He suffered a sudden coronary event.
- The doctor explained that coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Advances in coronary intervention have significantly reduced mortality rates associated with acute myocardial infarction in developed nations.

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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.