Aorta

Definitions

1. The great artery which carries the blood from the heart to all parts of the body except the lungs; the main trunk of the arterial system.
2. The liveliest part of something.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“Tracing their battles, I had many occasions to walk⟳ along Second Avenue, the aorta of the Lower East Side, exploring places that were once as vibrant and tumultuous as Midtown Manhattan.”

CEFR level