lacrimal

American  

[lak-ruh-muhl] / ˈlæk rə məl /

adjective

1. lachrymal.

2. Anatomy. Also of, relating to, or situated near the organs that secrete tears.

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noun

1. lacrimal bone.

lacrimal British  

/ ˈlækrɪməl /

adjective

1. of or relating to tears or to the glands that secrete tears

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Etymology

Origin of lacrimal

First recorded in 1535–45; variant of lachrymal

Example Sentences

For the new study, researchers administered oxytocin to the dogs’ lacrimal gland, which is responsible for tear secretion.

From New York Times • Aug. 22, 2022

The 14 facial bones are the nasal bones, the maxillary bones, zygomatic bones, palatine, vomer, lacrimal bones, the inferior nasal conchae, and the mandible.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Next are two sets of lacrimal glands that supply the watery tears.

From New York Times • Sep. 20, 2021

The ethmoid bone and lacrimal bone make up much of the medial wall and the sphenoid bone forms the posterior orbit.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The maxilla encircles the posterior border of the naris and extends dorsally above the naris to an extent sufficient to indicate the probable exclusion of the lacrimal bone from the narial border.

From Two New Pelycosaurs from the Lower Permian of Oklahoma by Fox, Richard C.