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Capillary in Irish (Ribeadán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ribeadán’ also means: capillary tube

The Irish for capillary is ribeadán, a masculine noun (plural ribeadáin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “capillary” in Irish

Irish:
ribeadán
English:
capillary, capillary tube
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“RIB-uh-dawn”  /ˈɾʲɪbʲədˠaːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
ribeadáin (capillaries)
Genitive singular:
ribeadáin, an ribeadáin (e.g. balla an ribeadáin, the wall of the capillary)
Genitive plural:
ribeadán, na ribeadán (e.g. líonra na ribeadán, the network of the capillaries)

What does “ribeadán” mean?

“Ribeadán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

capillary
A very fine, hair-like blood vessel that connects the smallest arteries and veins in the body.Also: capillary vessel, blood capillary.
1 other meaning: capillary tube
2capillary tube
A tube with a very narrow, hair-like bore, used in science.Also: capillary, fine tube.

“Ribeadán” with the article

The plural of capillary in Irish is ribeadáin. Here is ribeadán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ribeadán
the capillary
No change after an
na ribeadáin
the capillaries
Plural: no change after na

“Ribeadán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ribeadán, the Irish word for capillary.

Is soitheach fola an-chaol é ribeadán.
A capillary is a very narrow blood vessel.
Téann an ocsaigin trí bhalla an ribeadáin.
The oxygen passes through the wall of the capillary.
Tá na mílte ribeadán sa scamhóg.
There are thousands of capillaries in the lung.
Ceanglaíonn na ribeadáin na hartairí leis na féitheacha.
The capillaries connect the arteries to the veins.
Bhris ribeadán i mo shúil.
A capillary burst in my eye.
Tá an ribeadán níos caoile ná ribe gruaige.
The capillary is thinner than a hair.
D'éirigh an t-uisce sa ribeadán gloine.
The water rose in the glass capillary tube.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Capillary in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for capillary?

The Irish for capillary is ribeadán (pronounced “RIB-uh-dawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ribeadáin. Depending on context it can also mean capillary tube.

How do you pronounce ribeadán in Irish?

Ribeadán is said like “RIB-uh-dawn” (IPA /ˈɾʲɪbʲədˠaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of capillary in Irish?

The plural of ribeadán is ribeadáin; with the article, na ribeadáin means “the capillaries”. The genitive plural is ribeadán, as in líonra na ribeadán (the network of the capillaries).

Does ribeadán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ribeadán can mean capillary or capillary tube, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Is 'ribeadán' related to 'ribe'?

Yes, 'ribeadán' comes from 'ribe', a single hair, because a capillary is as fine as a hair.

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