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

Etymology

Origin of epithelial

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

epithelial

"Many studies have focused on how inflammation can leave harmful memory in epithelial cells, but our findings suggest that beneficial microbial metabolites may also establish protective epithelial programs," he said.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

The compound increased IL-10 production in T-cells and appeared to account for part of the immune-regulating activity generated by epithelial cells exposed to butyrate, Yu said.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

The new research shows that groups of epithelial cells, which form the surfaces of many tissues, can achieve an even greater sensing range.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 16, 2026

The scientists also found significant changes in epithelial cells that line the lungs and the tiny air sacs responsible for breathing.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2026

The epithelial cells have the ability to constrict to change the absorption of light, controlling the subject’s color and texture on a cell-by-bell basis.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste