B2 noun Neutral

artery

/ˈɑːrtəri/

An artery is a muscular-walled tube forming part of the circulation system by which blood (mainly that which has been oxygenated) is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body. Metaphorically, it refers to a major route in a network, such as a main road or river, that is vital for transportation or communication.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The main artery into the city was completely blocked by a parade this afternoon.

The primary road leading into the city center was obstructed by a public procession today.

2

The surgeon worked meticulously to repair the damaged coronary artery.

The specialist doctor performed careful surgery to fix the injured blood vessel near the heart.

3

I live right on a main artery, so the traffic noise is constant.

My home is located on a very busy major road, resulting in continuous noise from cars.

Word Family

Noun
artery
Adverb
arterially
Adjective
arterial
Related
arteriole
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Memory Tip

Remember the letter 'A': Arteries carry blood 'Away' from the heart.

Quick Quiz

The city's transport ______ was shut down for repairs, causing massive traffic jams.

Correct!

The correct answer is: artery

Examples

1

The main artery into the city was completely blocked by a parade this afternoon.

everyday

The primary road leading into the city center was obstructed by a public procession today.

2

The surgeon worked meticulously to repair the damaged coronary artery.

formal

The specialist doctor performed careful surgery to fix the injured blood vessel near the heart.

3

I live right on a main artery, so the traffic noise is constant.

informal

My home is located on a very busy major road, resulting in continuous noise from cars.

4

Research indicates that the hardening of the arteries can lead to significant cardiovascular issues.

academic

Scientific studies show that the stiffening of blood vessels can cause serious heart-related health problems.

5

This railway line serves as the commercial artery of the northern province.

business

This specific train track acts as the most important transport route for trade in the north.

Word Family

Noun
artery
Adverb
arterially
Adjective
arterial
Related
arteriole

Common Collocations

blocked artery a blood vessel that is obstructed
major artery a primary road or important blood vessel
coronary artery an artery supplying blood to the heart
main artery the most important transport route in a system
arterial road a high-capacity urban road

Common Phrases

hardening of the arteries

a condition where the vessels become stiff (atherosclerosis)

main artery of the city

the most important road for traffic flow in a city

vital artery

a crucial connection or transport link

Often Confused With

artery vs vein

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood toward the heart.

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Usage Notes

Use 'artery' when referring to biological blood vessels or major transportation routes. It implies a high volume of flow or critical importance to a system.

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Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'artery' for any small road, but it should only be used for major, high-traffic routes. Biologically, do not confuse it with 'vein' which has a different function.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember the letter 'A': Arteries carry blood 'Away' from the heart.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'arteria' and the Greek 'artēria', meaning 'windpipe' or 'vessel', originally thought to carry air.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural form: arteries Often used with adjectives like 'major', 'main', or 'blocked'
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Cultural Context

In urban planning, 'arterial' classifications are used globally to manage traffic hierarchy in cities.

Quick Quiz

The city's transport ______ was shut down for repairs, causing massive traffic jams.

Correct!

The correct answer is: artery

Related Words

sit

A1

To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.

stand

A1

To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.

pay

A1

To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.

meet

A1

To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.

continue

A1

To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.

set

A1

To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.

learn

A1

To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.

lead

A1

To go in front of a group of people to show them the way to a place. It also means to be in control of a group, a team, or an activity.

understand

A1

To know the meaning of what someone is saying or how something works. It involves grasping an idea, a language, or a situation clearly in your mind.

follow

A1

To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.

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