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

Derived Forms

• nonepithelial
  adjective
• subepithelial
  adjective
• unepithelial
  adjective
• interepithelial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of epithelial

First recorded in 1935–40; epitheli(um) ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Epithelial cells in the thymus present a large number of molecules that occur in the body to the future T cells.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2024

Epithelial cells cover the surfaces of most organs in the body and must adhere to each other to form both a protective and permeable barrier.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2023

Epithelial cells that line the insides of the nose could also be coordinating the quick response.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2021

Epithelial membranes are formed from epithelial tissue attached to a layer of connective tissue.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Epithelial cells with gravel of triple phosphates, or phosphate of lime.

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock