arcus senilis

[ahr-kuhs suh-nahy-lis]

noun

Ophthalmology.

1. the appearance of a yellowish-gray lipid ring around the margin of the cornea, occurring in aging persons.

arcus senilis

/ ˈɑːkəs sɪˈnaɪlɪs /

noun

1. an opaque circle around the cornea of the eye, often seen in elderly people

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcus senilis¹

First recorded in 1785–95, arcus senilis is from Latin arcus senīlis literally, “old man's bow”

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcus senilis¹

Latin: senile bow

Example Sentences

In elderly persons we ought always to look for the arcus senilis, which is a sign of a tendency to fatty degeneration.

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Moreover, there is the arcus senilis, the fine translucent to opaque circle surrounding the outer portion of the iris.

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A common sign of aging, though not of illness, is the arcus senilis, a whitish or grayish ring that forms around the iris in many older people.

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This must be distinguished from the true fatty arcus senilis.

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Practically every one with a well-marked arcus senilis has arteriosclerosis, but vice versa not every one with even marked arteriosclerosis has an arcus senilis.

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