conjunctiva

American  

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

noun

Anatomy.

conjunctivas, plural conjunctivae plural

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

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conjunctiva British  

/ ˌkɒndʒʌŋkˈtaɪvə /

noun

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

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conjunctiva Scientific  

/ kŏn′jŭngk-tī′və /

conjunctivas plural

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

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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

In three cases, the MicroShunt was exposed outside the conjunctiva and patients were treated with a petrolatum-based eye ointment.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

Based on their findings, the researchers advise clinicians to avoid using petrolatum-based eye ointments in patients with MicroShunt implants, especially when the device is exposed outside the conjunctiva.

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

The newly developed organoid model opens the door for research into diseases affecting the conjunctiva.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

Many different micro-organisms are of pathogenetic importance in connexion with the conjunctiva.

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