conjunctiva

American  

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

noun

Anatomy.

plural

conjunctivas, conjunctivae

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

---

conjunctiva British  

/ ˌkɒndʒʌŋkˈtaɪvə /

noun

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

---

conjunctiva Scientific  

/ kŏn′jŭngk-tī′və /

plural

conjunctivas

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

---

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

Although the MicroShunt was exposed outside the conjunctiva, no ointment was applied.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

Several diseases and disorders affect the conjunctiva, such as dry eye disease, cancer, allergies and infections.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

Until now, there has not been a good model of the human conjunctiva, which limits research into its function in sickness and in health.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

“Once we had these functioning organoids, we wanted to know how the conjunctiva is involved in the production of tears,” Marie Bannier-Hélaouët, lead researcher in the project, explains.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

Granular Conjunctivitis.—This disease, which also goes by the name of trachoma, is characterized by an inflammatory infiltration of the adenoid tissue of the conjunctiva.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various