coronary

1 of 2

adjective

cor·​o·​nary ˈkȯr-ə-ˌner-ē 

ˈkär-,

-ˌne-rē

1

: of, relating to, resembling, or being a crown or coronal

2

: of, relating to, or being the coronary arteries or veins of the heart

broadly : of or relating to the heart

coronary

2 of 2

noun

plural coronaries

1

a

: coronary artery

b

: coronary vein

2

: coronary thrombosis

broadly : heart attack

Examples of coronary in a Sentence

Noun

I almost had a coronary when I heard the news.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But for people with a higher likelihood of heart problems, the risk of atrial fibrillation is counterbalanced by the potential anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, and triglyceride-lowering benefits of omega-3 fats, which tend to protect the heart and lower the risk of coronary events. —Alice Park, TIME, 21 May 2024

In that analysis, the three leading causes of death were mental health issues, such as suicides and drug overdose; excessive bleeding; and cardiac and coronary conditions. —Elizabeth Cohen, STAT, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from New Latin corōnārius "of a crown, encircling a body organ like a crown," going back to Latin, "of garlands or wreaths," from corōna "garland, wreath worn on the head as a mark of honor or emblem of majesty" + -ārius -ary entry 2 — more at crown entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coronary

• coronary artery
• coronary artery bypass
• coronary artery bypass graft
• coronary artery bypass grafting
• coronary artery disease
• coronary bypass
• coronary bypass graft
• coronary bypass grafting
• coronary disease
• coronary heart disease
• coronary occlusion
• coronary sinus
• coronary thrombosis
• coronary vein

Kids Definition

coronary

1 of 2 adjective

cor·​o·​nary ˈkȯr-ə-ˌner-ē 

ˈkär-

: of, relating to, or being the vessels that carry blood to or away from the heart

also : of or relating to the heart

coronary

2 of 2 noun

plural coronaries

1

: a coronary blood vessel

2

: coronary thrombosis

also : heart attack

Medical Definition

coronary

1 of 2 adjective

cor·​o·​nary ˈkȯr-ə-ˌner-ē, ˈkär- 

1

: resembling a crown or circlet : encircling another part

2

a

: of, relating to, affecting, or being the coronary arteries or veins of the heart

coronary sclerosis

broadly : of or relating to the heart

b

: of, relating to, or affected with coronary heart disease

a coronary care unit

a diet for the young coronary male

coronary

2 of 2 noun

plural coronaries

1

a

: coronary artery

b

: coronary vein

2

: coronary thrombosis

broadly : heart attack