Definition

1. Noun:
   • A major vein in the neck: The vena jugularis is any of several large veins in the neck that carry deoxygenated blood from the head back toward the heart.

Usage

• The term is a specific anatomical term. In common and medical English, it is more frequently referred to simply as the jugular vein.
• It is used in medical, biological, and anatomical contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon was careful to avoid the vena jugularis during the procedure.
  • A blockage in the vena jugularis can cause serious health issues.

Advanced Usage

• "To go for the jugular": This common idiom, derived from the vulnerability of the jugular vein, means to attack a crucial or vulnerable point in an argument or competition.
  • During the debate, the candidate went straight for the jugular, highlighting his opponent's greatest weakness.

Variants and Related Words

• Jugular vein (n): The common English term for .
  • The internal jugular vein is the largest vein in the neck.
• Jugular (adj): Pertaining to the neck or throat.
  • The big cat delivered a jugular bite to its prey.

Synonyms

• Jugular vein: The direct and most common synonym.
• Cervical vein: A more general term for veins in the neck region (note: this is a broader category that includes the jugulars).

Related Idioms

• "To go for the jugular": As described in Advanced Usage, this is the primary idiom associated with this anatomical feature.
  • In business negotiations, he always goes for the jugular to secure the best deal.

Noun

1. veins in the neck that return blood from the head