epithelial

American  

[ep-uh-thee-lee-uhl] / ˌɛp əˈθi li əl /

adjective

1. Biology. being or relating to an epithelium, any tissue that lines a cavity or covers a surface in an animal or plant.

   Cheek epithelial cells are often studied in school labs as they are easily obtained through a mouth rinse or swab.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonepithelial
  adjective
• subepithelial
  adjective
• unepithelial
  adjective
• interepithelial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of epithelial

First recorded in 1935–40; epitheli(um) ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Epithelial cells cover the surfaces of most organs in the body and must adhere to each other to form both a protective and permeable barrier.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2023

Epithelial cells containing Ras mutants have been reported to be removed in this manner in several organs, including the small intestine, stomach, pancreas, and lungs.

From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2023

Epithelial cells that line the insides of the nose could also be coordinating the quick response.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2021

Epithelial tissues include the epidermis of the integument, the lining of the digestive tract and trachea, and make up the ducts of the liver and glands of advanced animals.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Epithelial cells have the power of living for some time after being separated from their normal surroundings, and of growing again when once more placed in favourable circumstances.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis