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.

---

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

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

The researchers wanted to know whether E-cadherin and its partners were attaching to the dying cell in the same way they normally attach neighboring epithelial cells.

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

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

Rather, the article said, it was “a very aggressive adenocarcinoma of the cervix,” meaning it originated from glandular tissue in her cervix instead of epithelial tissue.

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---