'Vena contracta' definitions:

Definition of 'Vena contracta'

From: GCIDE
  • Vena \Ve"na\, n.; pl. Venae. [L. See Vein.] A vein. [1913 Webster]
  • Vena cava; pl. Venae cavae. [L., literally, hollow vein.] (Anat.) Any one of the great systemic veins connected directly with the heart.
  • Vena contracta. [L., literally, contracted vein.] (Hydraulics) The contracted portion of a liquid jet at and near the orifice from which it issues.
  • Vena portae; pl. Venae portae. [L., literally, vein of the entrance.] (Anat.) The portal vein of the liver. See under Portal. [1913 Webster]