lachrymal

[ lak-ruh-muhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to tears.
2. producing tears.
3. characterized by tears; indicative of weeping.
4. Anatomy. lacrimal ( def 2 ).

noun

1. Also called lachrymal bone. Anatomy. lacrimal bone.
2. lachrymatory ( def 2 ).

lachrymal

/ ˈlækrɪməl /

adjective

1. a variant spelling of lacrimal

Other Words From

• post·lach·ry·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lachrymal¹

1535–45; < Medieval Latin lachrymālis, equivalent to Latin lachrym ( a ) (Hellenized spelling of lacrima, lacruma (OL dacrima ) tear, probably ≪ Greek dákrȳma, derivative of dákry; tear ¹ ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Tears were a reflex response of the lachrymal glands to these events.

From The Daily Beast

The last-named are often mistaken for spring onions by those who come too near with their lachrymal nerves.

From Project Gutenberg

You would scarcely judge the sincerity of a mourner's sorrow by the copiousness of flow from his lachrymal glands?

From Project Gutenberg

This is accompanied by pain and swelling in the lachrymal region.

From Project Gutenberg

Does the orbicularis press against, and so directly stimulate, the lachrymal gland?

From Project Gutenberg

(e) The lachrymal sac and conjunctiva should be free from all signs of inflammation (see p. 181).

From Project Gutenberg