iliac vein

/ˌɪliˈæk veɪn/

Other forms: iliac veins

Definitions of iliac vein

1. noun

   one of three veins draining the pelvic area
   synonyms: vena iliaca

   types:

   hypogastric vein, internal iliac vein

   a vein that unites with the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein

   external iliac vein

   a continuation of the femoral vein; unites with the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein

   common iliac vein

   formed by the internal and external iliac veins; unites with its fellow from the opposite side of the body to form the inferior vena cava

   type of:

   vein, vena, venous blood vessel

   a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart