circulatory system

English edit

Etymology edit

 
A simplified diagram of the human circulatory system.

From circulatory +‎ system.

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

circulatory system (plural circulatory systems)

  1. (physiology) The parts of an animal body comprising the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries), and blood, which circulate the blood around the body. [from mid 19th c.]
    Synonyms: (by some writers) cardiovascular system, (by some writers) vascular system, (loosely) circulation
  2. (technology) The parts of a machine responsible for the circulation of some fluid.

Usage notes edit

Some writers treat cardiovascular system and vascular system as synonymous with circulatory system. Others regard these terms as hyponyms.

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