Meaning & use

patency

noun·Advanced

The state of being open, unobstructed, and allowing free passage, especially of a body passage or vessel.

See it in a sentence

The scan confirmed the patency of the artery after the procedure.

Nurses regularly check the patency of an IV line to ensure fluids flow freely.

A note on using this word

Patency is a medical term, most often used to describe blood vessels, airways, or catheters remaining open and functional.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

obstructionblockage

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