glaucoma

[ glaw-koh-muh, glou- ]

/ glɔˈkoʊ mə, glaʊ- /

noun

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).

Nearby words

glauberite, glauce, glaucescent, glauco-, glaucodot, glaucoma, glaucomatous, glaucomatous cataract, glaucomatous cup, glaucomatous halo, glauconite

Origin of glaucoma

First recorded in 1635–45, glaucoma is from the Greek word glaúkōma opacity of the eye lens. See glauco-, -oma

Related forms

glau·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. 2019

Examples from the Web for glaucoma

Bijani was born with retinopathy and glaucoma, and his sight gradually disappeared during his first four years.
Videogames for the Blind?|Winston Ross|December 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
There seems to be a special liability to glaucoma among those residing at high altitudes, best explained by nerve influence.
Glaucoma|Various
Little has been done to show that increase of fluid entering into the eye is the cause of glaucoma.
Glaucoma|Various
Glaucoma it may be to the physicians; but Glaucus it is in the scheme of Maya, who has never left land or sea without her witness.
Demonology and Devil-lore|Moncure Daniel Conway

Dr. Oneal cured me of glaucoma in two months after New York oculists had failed to help me.
The Mayflower, January, 1905|Various
There were fewer eyes lost following the operation for glaucoma simplex than in the other forms of the disease.
Glaucoma|Various

British Dictionary definitions for glaucoma

glaucoma

/ (ɡlɔːˈkəʊmə) /

noun

a disease of the eye in which pressure within the eyeball damages the optic disc, impairing vision, sometimes progressing to blindness

Derived Forms

glaucomatous, adjective

Word Origin for glaucoma

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

Medicine definitions for glaucoma

glaucoma

[ glou-kō′mə, glô- ]

n.

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.

Related forms

glau•co′ma•tous (-kō′mə-təs) adj.

Science definitions for glaucoma

glaucoma

[ glou-kō′mə, glô- ]

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.

Culture definitions for glaucoma

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.