Definition: 'aorta': a long, white artery that carries blood to and from the heart, connecting two parts of the body called lungs and the chest. 'definition': In medical terms, an aortic aneurysm is a bulge or narrowing of the inner wall of an aorta, causing pressure in the lumen (vein) with blood. This can cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes death if not treated promptly. Atherosclerosis, which causes plaque buildup on aortic walls, can lead to aortic calcification or rupture.