intima

[in-tuh-muh]

noun, plural in·ti·mae

[in-tuh-mee] /ˈɪn təˌmi/. Anatomy.

the innermost membrane or lining of some organ or part, especially that of an artery, vein, or lymphatic.

Origin of intima

1870–75; < New Latin, noun use of feminine of Latin intimus, intumus inmost, equivalent to in- in-² + -timus superlative suffix; cf. optimal, ultimate

Related formsin·ti·mal, adjectivesub·in·ti·mal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for intima

Historical Examples of intima

Intima: the lining membrane of the trachea: see endotrachea.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
The nutrition of the intima and inner portion of the media is obtained from the blood circulating through the vessel.
Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:
Louis Marshall Warfield
During the third and fourth decades there is also distinct connective tissue thickening in the intima.
Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:
Louis Marshall Warfield
Again, there is seen degeneration of the muscle and replacement by connective tissue with or without hypertrophy of the intima.
Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:
Louis Marshall Warfield
The intima hypertrophies, layer upon layer being added in an attempt to restore the strength of the vessel.
Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension:
Louis Marshall Warfield

British Dictionary definitions for intima

intima

noun plural -mae (-ˌmiː)

anatomy zoology the innermost layer of an organ or part, esp of a blood vessel

Derived Formsintimal, adjective

Word Origin for intima

C19: from Latin, feminine of intimus innermost; see intimate 1

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

intima in Medicine

intima

[ĭn′tə-mə]

n. pl. in•ti•mas

The innermost coat of an organ.

Related formsin′ti•mal adj.