Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

glaucoma

[glaw-koh-muh, glou-]
noun
  1. Ophthalmology. abnormally high fluid pressure in the eye, most commonly caused either by blockage of the channel through which aqueous humor drains (open-angle glaucoma or chronic glaucoma) or by pressure of the iris against the lens, which traps the aqueous humor (angle-closure glaucoma or acute glaucoma).
Show More

Origin of glaucoma

First recorded in 1635–45, glaucoma is from the Greek word glaúkōma opacity of the eye lens. See glauco-, -oma
Related formsglau·co·ma·tous [glaw-koh-muh-tuh s, -kom-uh-, glou-] /glɔˈkoʊ mə təs, -ˈkɒm ə-, glaʊ-/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for glaucoma

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • The third group are cases associated with glaucoma only as causes.

    Glaucoma

    Various

  • Schnabel considered all glaucoma cups to be formed in this way, independent of tension.

    Glaucoma

    Various

  • Axenfeld cites the fact that the glaucoma cup may disappear after operation.

    Glaucoma

    Various

  • An iridectomy is usually performed as for glaucoma; this may be omitted.

  • These symptoms have been pronounced to resemble those of glaucoma.

    Life of John Milton

    Richard Garnett

British Dictionary definitions for glaucoma

glaucoma

noun
  1. a disease of the eye in which pressure within the eyeball damages the optic disc, impairing vision, sometimes progressing to blindness
Show More
Derived Formsglaucomatous, adjective

Word Origin

C17: from Latin, from Greek glaukōma, from glaukos; see glaucous
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for glaucoma

n.

1640s, from Greek glaukoma "cataract, opacity of the lens" (cataracts and glaucoma not distinguished until c.1705), from -oma + glaukos, an adjective of uncertain origin (see glaucous).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
glaucoma in Medicine

glaucoma

(glou-kō′mə, glô-)
n.
  1. Any of a group of eye diseases characterized by abnormally high intraocular fluid pressure, damaged optic disk, hardening of the eyeball, and partial to complete loss of vision.
Show More
Related formsglau•co′ma•tous (-kō′mə-təs) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
glaucoma in Science

glaucoma

[glou-kō′mə, glô-]
  1. A disease of the eye in which the pressure of fluid inside the eyeball is abnormally high, caused by obstructed outflow of the fluid. The increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to partial or complete loss of vision.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
glaucoma in Culture

glaucoma

[(glow-koh-muh, glaw-koh-muh)]

A disease of the eye marked by increased fluid pressure in the eyeball. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and may result in blindness if not treated. Surgery may be required for severe cases.

Show More
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.