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

A team led by Verena Ruprecht examined epithelial tissues in living zebrafish and mouse embryos.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

The new work builds on earlier research from Ruprecht showing that embryos can use epithelial tissues to cooperatively remove dying cells.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

E-cadherin is also found throughout epithelial tissues in the body, and its structure has remained remarkably similar across species.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

When UroA activated the NLRP6 inflammasome in intestinal epithelial cells, it prompted the release of appropriate levels of molecules involved in normal intestinal function.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 17, 2026

Most cervical cancers are carcinomas, which grow from the epithelial cells that cover the cervix and protect its surface.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot