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

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

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Etymology

Origin of epithelial

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

epithelial

The team systematically switched off genes in colon epithelial cells, the cells that form the inner lining of the colon, to determine which ones were necessary for the toxin to attach and cause damage.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 31, 2026

A team led by Verena Ruprecht examined epithelial tissues in living zebrafish and mouse embryos.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

Together, they connect epithelial cells lining areas such as the skin, gut and airways, giving tissues the structural strength they need to remain intact.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

The epithelial tissue removed those cells just as effectively as it removed normal dying cells.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

Most cervical cancers are carcinomas, which grow from the epithelial cells that cover the cervix and protect its surface.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

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