'aortae' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'aorta', where the stem derives from the Greek 'aortē' (ἀορτή) meaning 'main artery' (ultimately from a verb meaning 'to lift').

'aortae' comes via Latin/Medieval/New Latin from Greek 'aortē' (ἀορτή); the Latin form 'aorta' (with the Latin plural 'aortae') entered medical English and the Latin plural is still used in anatomical contexts.

Initially it meant 'the main artery' in Greek/Latin; over time it has retained that anatomical meaning as the term for the principal artery leaving the heart.