portal vein

noun

: a vein that collects blood from one part of the body and distributes it in another through capillaries
especially : a vein carrying blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver

Examples of portal 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.
Portal Hypertension Treatment Scarring due to primary biliary cholangitis can affect blood flow, leading to hypertension (high blood pressure) in the portal vein. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024 From the gut, it’s sent to the liver via the portal vein. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

portal entry 2

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of portal vein was in 1765

Rhymes for portal vein

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Browse Nearby Words

portal-to-portal
portal vein
portamento
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Cite this Entry

“Portal vein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portal%20vein. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

portal vein

noun
: a vein that carries blood from the digestive organs and spleen to the liver

Medical Definition

portal vein

noun
: a large vein that is formed by fusion of other veins, that terminates in a capillary network, and that delivers blood to some area of the body other than the heart
especially : hepatic portal vein

More from Merriam-Webster on portal vein

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about portal vein

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