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Capillary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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capillary

[หˆkapษชlษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

blood vessels

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body, responsible for the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system.

Synonyms

arteriole, microvessel, venule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
capillary

Used to refer to the smallest blood vessels in the body that connect arterioles and venules, where the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products occurs between blood and tissues.

  • Oxygen moves from the capillaries into the body's cells.
  • Capillary action is crucial in plant nutrient distribution.
microvessel

A general term for any smaller blood vessel, typically including arterioles, capillaries, and venules. Commonly used in scientific or medical contexts to discuss microcirculation.

  • Researchers are studying microvessels to understand certain diseases better.
  • Microvessel density can be a marker for tumor growth.
arteriole

Refers to small branches of arteries that lead into capillaries. These vessels play a key role in regulating blood flow and pressure.

  • The arterioles constricted, reducing blood flow to the skin.
  • High blood pressure can damage delicate arterioles over time.
venule

Indicates small veins that collect blood from capillaries and feed into larger veins. Venules serve as a transition point from the microcirculation back to the larger circulatory system.

  • The venules collect deoxygenated blood from the capillary beds.
  • Venules are important for the return of blood to the heart.

Examples of usage

  • Oxygen and nutrients are transferred from the capillaries to the surrounding tissues.
  • Carbon dioxide and waste products are picked up by the capillaries to be carried away.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

In physics, a capillary refers to a tube with a small internal diameter, often used in experiments involving surface tension and fluid dynamics.

Synonyms

pipette, tube, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
capillary

Used in biology and medicine to describe tiny blood vessels or tubes.

  • The capillary network supplies blood to every cell in the body.
  • Capillary action allows plants to draw water from their roots.
tube

General term used to describe any cylindrical hollow object, often for conveying liquids or gases.

  • The plumber replaced the broken tube.
  • Insert the sample into the test tube for analysis.
pipette

Commonly used in laboratories to transfer or measure small amounts of liquids with precision.

  • The scientist used a pipette to add a few drops of the solution.
  • Remember to use a pipette for accurate measurement in your experiment.
vessel

Used in both biology and general language to describe a container or a channel for fluids, such as blood vessels in the body or containers like pots and ships.

  • Blood vessels transport blood throughout the body.
  • The sailors prepared the vessel for the journey.

Examples of usage

  • The capillary action causes water to rise in a narrow tube.
  • Capillary tubes are commonly used in laboratory settings for precise measurements.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Capillaries connect arteries and veins, playing a crucial role in exchanging oxygen and nutrients with tissues.
  • These vessels are so small that red blood cells often pass through them in single file, allowing efficient oxygen delivery.
  • The walls of capillaries are only one cell thick, making them ideal for the rapid exchange of substances with surrounding tissues.

Health

  • Understanding capillaries is essential for diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy, where tiny blood vessels in the eye become damaged.
  • Capillaries play a role in regulating blood flow, and their health can be affected by factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise.

Physics

  • Capillary action is a phenomenon where liquid travels up thin tubes, vital for processes like how plants draw water from the ground.
  • This action occurs due to the cohesive nature of water molecules and their adhesive forces with the walls of the capillaries.

Art and Literature

  • In various literary works, capillaries have been used metaphorically to describe delicate connections and systems within larger structures.
  • Capillary networks are often illustrated in art to represent the intricate systems of life and connectivity found in nature.

Origin of 'capillary'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'capillary' comes from the Latin word 'capillaris', which means 'of hair', reflecting the small size of these vessels.
  • It evolved through Middle French where 'capillaire' referred to something fine or hair-like, underscoring the vessel's thin structure.

The word 'capillary' originates from the Latin word 'capillaris', meaning 'of hair', due to the hair-like appearance of these tiny blood vessels. The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the smallest blood vessels in the human body.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,781 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.