How to Pronounce Capillaries

Say it like this: KAP-ih-ler-eez. Break it into four syllables, with the stress on the first syllable (KAP). The word rhymes with words like "happily" in terms of rhythm.

Many people stress the second syllable and say "kuh-PIL-uh-reez," but that's incorrect. Remember: the stress belongs on the FIRST syllable, so it's KAP-ih-ler-eez, not kuh-PIL-uh-reez.

Divide it like this: CAP-il-lar-ies. This four-syllable word becomes easier to pronounce when you say each part clearly and pause slightly between them.

It comes from the Latin word 'capillaris,' which means 'of or relating to hair.' The word describes these tiny blood vessels because they are so thin and delicate, like fine hairs.

Capillaries are the tiniest blood vessels in your body. Think of them as the smallest branches in a tree—they're where the main blood vessels split into hair-thin tubes that deliver oxygen and nutrients directly to your cells.

Two related words are 'capillary' (the singular form, pronounced KAP-ih-ler-ee) and 'capillarity' (a term about how liquids move through tiny spaces). All three words trace back to that Latin word meaning hair.

Sure! Here's an example: "The oxygen from the air we breathe travels through blood vessels and eventually reaches tiny capillaries, where it moves into the surrounding tissues."

Good question! The singular form is 'capillary' (KAP-ih-ler-ee), and the plural form is 'capillaries' (KAP-ih-ler-eez). You'd say "one capillary" but "many capillaries."