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

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Etymology

Origin of epithelial

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

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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

Together, they connect epithelial cells lining areas such as the skin, gut and airways, giving tissues the structural strength they need to remain intact.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

The epithelial tissue removed those cells just as effectively as it removed normal dying cells.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

Despite major damage to epithelial tissue, the larvae were able to regenerate fully functional wings.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 18, 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

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