pulmonary vein

noun

: a valveless vein that returns oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart

Examples of pulmonary vein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pulmonary veins lead the now oxygen-rich blood back to the left side of the heart, where the process continues.1 How Arteries Differ From Veins Arteries and veins are both types of blood vessels. Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024 The notable exception is the pulmonary veins that carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart, which is pumped into arteries to go to the body.2 Additionally, the structure of arteries and veins has some important differences. Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulmonary vein was in 1704

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Cite this Entry

“Pulmonary vein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulmonary%20vein. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

pulmonary vein

noun
: a vein that returns oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart

Medical Definition

pulmonary vein

noun
: any of usually four veins comprising two from each lung that return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the superior part of the left atrium, that may include three veins from the right lung if the veins from all three lobes of the right lung remain separate, and that may include a single trunk from the left lung if its major veins unite before emptying into the left atrium

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