arteriole

noun ar·te·ri·ole \är-ˈtir-ē-ˌōl\

Definition of ARTERIOLE

: any of the small terminal twigs of an artery that ends in capillaries

— ar·te·ri·o·lar \-ˌtir-ē-ˈō-ˌlär, -lər\ adjective

See arteriole defined for kids

French or New Latin; French artériole, probably from New Latin arteriola, diminutive of Latin arteria

First Known Use: 1830

Medical Dictionary

noun ar·te·ri·ole \är-ˈtir-ē-ˌōl\

: any of the small terminal twigs of an artery that ends in capillaries

—ar·te·ri·o·lar \-ˌtir-ē-ˈō-ˌlär, -lər\ adjective

Next Word in the Dictionary: arteriosclerosisPrevious Word in the Dictionary: arteriographyAll Words Near: arteriole

What made you want to look up arteriole? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears