conjunctiva

American  

[kon-juhngk-tahy-vuh] / ˌkɒn dʒʌŋkˈtaɪ və /

noun

Anatomy.

conjunctivas, plural conjunctivae plural

1. the mucous membrane that lines the exposed portion of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids.

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conjunctiva British  

/ ˌkɒndʒʌŋkˈtaɪvə /

noun

1. the delicate mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid

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conjunctiva Scientific  

/ kŏn′jŭngk-tī′və /

conjunctivas plural

1. The mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the surface of the eyeball.

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Other Word Forms

• conjunctival
  adjective
• subconjunctival
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of conjunctiva

1350–1400; Middle English; short for Medieval Latin membrāna conjunctīva conjunctive membrane; see conjunctive

Example Sentences

Based on their findings, the researchers advise clinicians to avoid using petrolatum-based eye ointments in patients with MicroShunt implants, especially when the device is exposed outside the conjunctiva.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

To gain more insight into the composition and functioning of the conjunctiva, the Organoid group set out to develop the first human model of this type of tissue.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

“We discovered that the conjunctiva makes antimicrobial components and therefore contributes to tear production in more ways than by simply making mucus.”

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

These miniature structures are called organoids and function as real human conjunctiva.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

Mackenzie, while probably having seen false membrane appear on the conjunctiva when in a state of inflammation, yet refuses to recognize diphtheritic conjunctivitis as a distinct disease.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various