rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycapillaryNarrow tube or vessel
noun / adjective

capillary

KAP-uh-lair-ee/ˈkæpəleri/

A very narrow tube or vessel through which fluid can pass.

Red blood cells pass through the narrow capillary network.

An enlarged anatomical view of a delicate capillary network bridging a thicker arteriole and venule, with red blood cells passing single-file through the tiny connecting vessels.
Etymology
capillLatinhair
+aryLatinrelating to

The original image is hair-like fineness: capillary first described things relating to or resembling hair. Applied to blood vessels, it became a noun for the minute vessels connecting arteries and veins.

In context

Amoeba Sisters2:56
Capillaries are small blood vessels and it is at the capillary level where oxygen is delivered to organs and tissues
Circulatory System and Pathway of Blood Through the Heart

More examples

  • Capillary tubes carried liquid through the apparatus.
  • The diagram showed capillaries linking larger blood vessels.
  • The fine capillary drew up a small amount of fluid.

Forms

capillary · capillaries

Similar words

artery
An artery carries blood away from the heart; capillaries are tiny vessels connecting arterial and venous circulation.
vein
A vein returns blood toward the heart; capillaries allow exchange through very thin walls.