conjunctiva

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​va ˌkän-ˌjəŋ(k)-ˈtī-və How to pronounce conjunctiva (audio)
kən-
plural conjunctivas or conjunctivae ˌkän-ˌjəŋ(k)-ˈtī-(ˌ)vē How to pronounce conjunctiva (audio)
kən-
: the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the forepart of the eyeball see eye illustration
conjunctival adjective

Examples of conjunctiva in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Melanoma of the eye can occur in different parts of the eye, including the uvea, iris, ciliary body, conjunctiva, and eyelids. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 These include: Conjunctivitis: The inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye). Johnstone M. Kim, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2023 The sclera and conjunctiva (the thin, clear membrane that protects your sclera) may also develop a gray or yellowish tint largely due to UV damage (although smoking can also cause discoloration of the eyeballs). Didi Gluck, Allure, 5 Dec. 2023 This causes inflammation of your conjunctiva (the membrane that covers your eye) and cornea (the clear outer layer in the front of your eye). Korin Miller, Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Separate the muscles that hold the eyeball inside its socket; make a delicate cut in the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the eye. Amit Katwala, WIRED, 22 Aug. 2023 The company also warns that contact of HDQ Neutral with the eyes can cause permanent damage to the conjunctiva and tissue damage and that inhalation can lead to coughing, as well as as irritation or damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Selene Rivera, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2023 Instead, an artist, in this case, injects a tiny amount of ink under the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the front of the eye) and over the sclera (the whites of the eye). Meirav Devash, Allure, 21 Jan. 2021 Loss of the third eyelid frequently results in chronic irritation of the cornea and the remaining conjunctiva. Paul Miller, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conjunctiva.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Latin, feminine of conjunctivus conjoining, from Latin conjunctus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conjunctiva was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near conjunctiva

Cite this Entry

“Conjunctiva.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjunctiva. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conjunctiva

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​va ˌkän-ˌjəŋk-ˈtī-və How to pronounce conjunctiva (audio)
-ˈtē-
plural conjunctivas or conjunctivae -(ˌ)vē How to pronounce conjunctiva (audio)
: the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the front part of the eyeball

Medical Definition

conjunctiva

noun
con·​junc·​ti·​va ˌkän-ˌjəŋ(k)-ˈtī-və, kən- How to pronounce conjunctiva (audio)
plural conjunctivas or conjunctivae -(ˌ)vē How to pronounce conjunctiva (audio)
: the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the forepart of the eyeball
conjunctival adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on conjunctiva

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