Meaning of pterygium in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /tɛˈrɪdʒɪəm/

    US accent

    UK accent

  1. Noun

    pterygium

    Etymology

    mid 16th century; earliest use found in William Bullein (c1515–1576), physician. From classical Latin pterygium morbid extension of the conjunctiva or cuticle, in post-classical Latin also any of various structures in anatomy named for a supposed resemblance to a wing from ancient Greek πτερύγιον little wing, fin, morbid extension of the conjunctiva (Hippocrates), in Hellenistic Greek also morbid extension of the cuticle, parts of the nose joining the cheeks from πτέρυγ-, πτέρυξ wing, fin + -ιον, diminutive suffix

    Definitions

    1. a thickened triangular layer of conjunctiva extending from the nasal edge of the eye to the cornea

    Examples

    • « pterygia arise from irritation of the pinguecula »

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