epicanthus

[ ep-i-kan-thuh s ]

/ ˌɛp ɪˈkæn θəs /

noun, plural ep·i·can·thi [ep-i-kan-thahy, -thee] /ˌɛp ɪˈkæn θaɪ, -θi/. Anatomy.

a fold of skin extending from the eyelid over the inner canthus of the eye, common among Mongoloid peoples.

Nearby words

epic hero, epic machinery, epic simile, epicalyx, epicanthic fold, epicanthus, epicardia, epicardium, epicarp, epicaste, epicedium

Origin of epicanthus

From New Latin, dating back to 1860–65; see origin at epi-, canthus

Also called epicanthic fold, eyefold.

Related forms

ep·i·can·thic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for epicanthus

epicanthus

/ (ˌɛpɪˈkænθəs) /

noun plural -thi (-θaɪ)

a fold of skin extending vertically over the inner angle of the eye: characteristic of Mongolian peoples and a congenital anomaly among other racesAlso called: epicanthic fold

Derived Forms

epicanthic, adjective

Word Origin for epicanthus

C19: New Latin, from epi- + Latin canthus corner of the eye, from Greek kanthos

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012