coronary artery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium FrequencyTechnical/Medical, Common in public health and news reporting.
Quick answer
What does “coronary artery” mean?
One of the two arteries that arise from the aorta and supply blood to the heart muscle itself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the two arteries that arise from the aorta and supply blood to the heart muscle itself.
Used broadly to refer to the arterial network supplying the heart, and as a metonym for coronary heart disease (e.g., 'he has coronary artery disease').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or form. The term is standard in medical English globally.
Connotations
Identical clinical and lay connotations.
Frequency
Identical frequency in medical and public discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “coronary artery” in a Sentence
have + coronary artery + disease/blockageundergo + coronary artery + surgery/bypasssuffer from + coronary artery + problemsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coronary artery” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a coronary artery stent fitted last year.
- The coronary artery scan revealed a minor narrowing.
American English
- She underwent coronary artery bypass surgery.
- Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in healthcare industry reports or insurance.
Academic
Core term in medical, biological, and public health literature.
Everyday
Common in health discussions, news about heart attacks.
Technical
Precise anatomical and clinical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coronary artery”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coronary artery”
- Mispronouncing 'coronary' as /kəˈroʊnəri/ (like the virus) instead of /ˈkɔːr.ə.ner.i/. Confusing 'artery' with 'vein' in this context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In medical terms, 'coronary artery' is precise. In everyday language, 'coronary' is often used as a noun to mean a heart attack ('he had a coronary'), which is a consequence of coronary artery disease.
There are two main coronary arteries: the left main coronary artery and the right coronary artery. These then branch into smaller arteries.
Not directly. The blockage causes symptoms like chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath when the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, especially during exertion.
The aorta is the body's main and largest artery, carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The coronary arteries are the first, small branches of the aorta, feeding blood back to the heart muscle.
One of the two arteries that arise from the aorta and supply blood to the heart muscle itself.
Coronary artery is usually technical/medical, common in public health and news reporting. in register.
Coronary artery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒr.ən.ri ˈɑː.tər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.ə.ner.i ˈɑːr.tər.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CORONA' means crown. The coronary arteries crown the top of the heart like a crown encircles a head.
Conceptual Metaphor
PIPELINE/PLUMBING (for the body); BLOCKAGE (for disease).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the coronary arteries?