venule

noun

: a small vein
especially : any of the minute veins connecting the capillaries with the larger systemic veins

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin vēnula, from vēna vein entry 1 + -ula -ule

First Known Use

circa 1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of venule was circa 1850

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Venule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venule. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

venule

noun
: a small vein
especially : one of the minute veins connecting blood capillaries with larger veins

Medical Definition

venule

noun
: a small vein
especially : any of the minute veins connecting the capillaries with the larger systemic veins

More from Merriam-Webster on venule

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!