Aorta

Aorta: The great artery, or trunk of the arterial system. It proceeds from the left ventricle of the heart, giving origin to all the arteries, except the pulmonary arteries. It first rises, when it is called the ascending aorta; then makes a great curve, when it gives...

Absent

Absent: gone, not there, not present physically, or not present mentally.  Absent derives from Latin absunt, which means, they are not here. Absunt itself derives from Latin ab (away) and the infinitve esse (to be). With the condition of American schools these days,...

Aegis

Aegis: a shield, or protective armor; protective influence or power. Aegis comes from the Greek word Αιγίς.  The Aegis was the shield of Zeus in Greek mythology.  Though made of goatskin, it was extremely strong. These days, if you are under the aegis of someone, you...

Abrasion

Abrasion: A scrape.  Fall off of a bicycle and you may end up with an abrasion.  Abrasion can also be the act of wearing or rubbing off.  For example: The constant abrasion of chairs left scratches on the hardwood floors.  Abrasion come from the Latin word abradere,...

Abducent

Abducent: drawing away from, pulling back.  This word usually describes those muscles which pull back certain parts of the body.  The abducent muscles separate, open, or bend body parts. Abducent derives from Latin ab (away) and duco (I lead).