n :  a communicating part or area of an organism: as  a  :  PORTAL VEIN  b  :  the point at which something enters the body <s of infection> 
adj 1  :  of or relating to the porta hepatis  2  :  of, relating to, or being a portal vein or a portal system < blood>  < circulation>  .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:   parietal 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.