Vascularize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To enhance a tissue by incorporating a network of blood vessels signifies its adaptation for better blood supply
2. The formation of blood vessels within a specific tissue or organ illustrates the adaptation process known as vascularization
3. To promote the development of a network of blood vessels within a particular tissue exemplifies the process of ensuring adequate blood circulation

Etymology: "Vascular" comes from the Latin "vasculum," a diminutive of "vas," meaning "vessel" or "container," so a vascular tissue is one built around small vessels. The verb adds the suffix "-ize," which descends through Late Latin "-izare" and Ancient Greek "-izein," a verb-forming ending that turns a noun or adjective into an action. Joined together, the two pieces describe the process of making something vascular. The suffix has traveled a long road. Ancient Greek used "-izein" to form verbs such as "baptizein" (to immerse) and "philosophizein" (to philosophize). Latin borrowed the pattern as "-izare," and medieval Latin spread it widely, and Old French and Middle English both took it up as "-ize" or "-ise." English speakers have used the ending freely ever since, so "vascularize" is a straightforward modern formation built from parts that are centuries old.

Synonyms: vascular, supply blood