What is "coarctation"

Coarctation \Co`arc*ta"tion\, n. [L. coarctatio.]

1. Confinement to a narrow space. [Obs.]
   --Bacon.

2. Pressure; that which presses. [Obs.]
   --Ray.

3. (Med.) A stricture or narrowing, as of a canal, cavity, or orifice.

n. 1 (context medicine English) A stenosis, especially of the aorta. 2 (context obsolete English) confinement to a narrow space 3 (context obsolete English) pressure; that which presses

1. n. tight or narrow compression [syn: constriction]

2. (biology) a narrowing or constriction of a vessel or canal; especially a congenital narrowing of the aorta