thoracic duct

noun Anatomy.

the main trunk of the lymphatic system, passing along the spinal column in the thoracic cavity, and conveying a large amount of lymph and chyle into the venous circulation.

Origin of thoracic duct

First recorded in 1720–30

Words nearby thoracic duct

thoracic, thoracic artery, thoracic cage, thoracic cardiac nerve, thoracic cavity, thoracic duct, thoracic ganglion, thoracic iliocostal muscle, thoracic limb, thoracic longissimus muscle, thoracic nerve

British Dictionary definitions for thoracic duct

thoracic duct

noun

the major duct of the lymphatic system, beginning below the diaphragm and ascending in front of the spinal column to the base of the neck

Medical definitions for thoracic duct

thoracic duct

n.

The largest lymph vessel in the body, which collects lymph from the left side of the body above the diaphragm and from all parts below the diaphragm. left lymphatic duct