a. and sb. Phys. [ad. L. efferent-em, pr. pple. of efferre: see EFFER.]

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  A.  adj. Conveying outwards, discharging.

2

1856.  Todd & Bowman, Phys. Anat., II. 487. A minute venous radicle, efferent vessel [may be seen] to emerge … in close proximity to the artery.

3

1870.  Rolleston, Anim. Life, Introd. p. xxxiv. The efferent arteries are all but invariably connected with the efferent veins by means of capillaries.

4

1879.  H. Spencer, Data of Ethics, vii. 108. An impression made on an afferent nerve causes by discharge through an afferent nerve a contraction.

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  B.  sb. That which carries outwards.

6

1876.  Contemp. Rev., XXVII. 541. Look upon … the ethereal waves as the afferents and efferents of Omniscient Thought.

7

  Hence Efferential.

8

1836–9.  Todd, Cycl. Anat., II. 992/2. In Athalia … the efferential vessel is entirely absent.

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