lacteal

/ˈlæktiəl/
noun
  1. A lymphatic vessel in the small intestine that absorbs digested fats.
    • The lacteals give the intestinal lining a milky appearance after a fatty meal.
    • Scientists studied how lacteals transport chylomicrons.
    • Each villus in the small intestine contains a lacteal.
adjective
  1. Relating to or resembling milk; milky in color or consistency.
    • The chef described the sauce as having a lacteal quality.
    • The lacteal fluid from the plant had a white, creamy appearance.
    • A lacteal discharge can sometimes occur in certain medical conditions.
  2. Relating to the lymphatic vessels in the small intestine that absorb fats.
    • Damage to lacteal capillaries can affect nutrient absorption.
    • The lacteal system transports lipids from the intestines to the bloodstream.
    • Lacteal vessels play a key role in absorbing dietary fats.
What does "lacteal" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean