aorta
UK[eɪˈɔːtə]US[eɪˈɔːrtə]
n
the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Etymology
the word 'aorta' entered english in the late 16th century, borrowed directly from medieval latin, which took it from the ancient greek 'aortē' (ἀορτή). in greek, 'aortē' literally meant 'something hung, a strap' or 'what is carried', derived from the verb 'aeirein' meaning 'to lift, heave, raise'. this seemingly disparate origin reflects the ancient anatomical observation of the artery being 'lifted' or 'suspended' from the heart. the term was used by aristotle to describe the great artery, and its specific medical meaning was solidified by galen. thus, the modern abstract meaning of the body's principal arterial trunk evolved directly from this ancient descriptive term for its physical appearance and position.
Analysis
this is a simplex word borrowed directly from greek. it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable english morphemes.
Examples
the surgeon carefully repaired a tear in the wall of the aorta.
high blood pressure can put excessive strain on the aorta.
the aorta ascends from the left ventricle before arching down through the chest and abdomen.