epithelium

American  

[ep-uh-thee-lee-uhm] / ˌɛp əˈθi li əm /

noun

Biology.

epitheliums, plural epithelia plural

1. any plant or animal tissue that covers a surface or lines a cavity, and that also performs any of various secretory, transporting, or regulatory functions.

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epithelium British  

/ ˌɛpɪˈθiːlɪəm /

noun

1. an animal tissue consisting of one or more layers of closely packed cells covering the external and internal surfaces of the body. The cells vary in structure according to their function, which may be protective, secretory, or absorptive

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epithelium Scientific  

/ ĕp′ə-thē′lē-əm /

epithelia plural

1. The thin, membranous tissue that lines most of the internal and external surfaces of an animal's body. Epithelium is composed of one or more layers of densely packed cells. In vertebrates, it lines the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), the surface of most body cavities, and the lumen of fluid-filled organs, such as the gut or intestine.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• epithelial
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• epitheliums
  plural
• epithelia
  plural

Etymology

Origin of epithelium

First recorded in 1740–50; from New Latin, from Greek epi- epi- ( def. ) + thēl(ḗ) “teat” + New Latin -ium -ium ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does epithelium compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endothelium vs. epithelium

Example Sentences

Epithelium also forms much of the glandular tissue of the body.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 22.5 Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium Respiratory epithelium is pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Epithelium from the Urinary Bladder, showing the outlines of the cells only.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various

Epithelium, ep-i-thē′li-um, n. the cell-tissue which invests the outer surface of the body and the mucous membranes connected with it, and also the closed cavities of the body.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Epithelium from the Skin. c, Columnar cells resting on the fibrous true skin. p, The so-called prickle cells. g, Stratum granulosum. h, Horny cells. s, Squamous horny cells.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various