epithelium
[ ep-uh-thee-lee-uhm ]
/ ˌɛp əˈθi li əm /
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noun, plural ep·i·the·li·ums, ep·i·the·li·a [ep-uh-thee-lee-uh]. /ˌɛp əˈθi li ə/. Biology.
any animal tissue that covers a surface, or lines a cavity or the like, and that, in addition, performs any of various secretory, transporting, or regulatory functions.
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Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Example sentences from the Web for epithelium
British Dictionary definitions for epithelium
epithelium
/ (ˌɛpɪˈθiːlɪəm) /
noun plural -liums or -lia (-lɪə)
an animal tissue consisting of one or more layers of closely packed cells covering the external and internal surfaces of the body. The cells vary in structure according to their function, which may be protective, secretory, or absorptive
Derived forms of epithelium
epithelial, adjectiveWord Origin for epithelium
C18: New Latin, from epi- + Greek thēlē nipple
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for epithelium
epithelium
[ ĕp′ə-thē′lē-əm ]
n. pl. ep•i•the•li•a (-lē-ə)
Membranous tissue composed of one or more layers of cells separated by very little intercellular substance and forming the covering of most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs.
Other words from epithelium
ep′i•the′li•al adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for epithelium
epithelium
[ ĕp′ə-thē′lē-əm ]
Plural epithelia
The thin, membranous tissue that lines most of the internal and external surfaces of an animal's body. Epithelium is composed of one or more layers of densely packed cells. In vertebrates, it lines the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), the surface of most body cavities, and the lumen of fluid-filled organs, such as the gut or intestine.
Other words from epithelium
epithelial adjectiveThe American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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