glia

[ glahy-uh, glee-uh ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. neuroglia.

glia

/ ˈɡliːə /

noun

1. the delicate web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports nerve cells Also calledneuroglia

glia

/ glē′ə,glī′ə /

1. The delicate network of branched cells and fibers that supports the tissue of the central nervous system.

Derived Forms

• ˈglial, adjective

Other Words From

• glial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glia¹

First recorded in 1885–90, glia is from the Late Greek word glía glue

Example Sentences

Like most researchers who study glia, Ackerman focuses on glia inside the brain.

From Science News

It’s too early to know how important glia outside the brain will turn out to be.

From Science News

That, said Fields, "was a moment that focused our attention on glia."

From The Daily Beast

It presupposes an active interposition of the glia cells between the axon of one neuron and the dendrons of another.

From Project Gutenberg