pleura

American  

[ploor-uh] / ˈplʊər ə /

noun

plural

pleurae

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a delicate serous membrane investing each lung in mammals and folded back as a lining of the corresponding side of the thorax.

2. plural of pleuron.

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pleura British  

/ ˈplʊərə /

noun

1. the thin transparent serous membrane enveloping the lungs and lining the walls of the thoracic cavity

2. the plural of pleuron

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pleura Scientific  

/ plr′ə /

plural

pleurae

1. A membrane that encloses each lung and lines the chest cavity.

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Other Word Forms

• pleural adjective

Etymology

Origin of pleura

1655–65; < New Latin < Greek pleurá (singular) side, rib

Example Sentences

Under normal conditions, viewers see a reflection of the pleura as a series of equidistant horizontal lines, called A lines, throughout those organs.

From Scientific American

“But because his surgeon . said it had spread to the pleura of the lungs, they said it wasn’t a covered cancer.”

From Washington Times

It can detect blockage and constriction in arteries and veins, and can identify issues in the pleura, the fluid-filled membranes that line the thorax and lungs.

From US News

In short, an abscess in the pericardium must be treated like an abscess in the pleura.

From Project Gutenberg

To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united; as, wax to the finger; the lungs sometimes adhere to the pleura.

From Project Gutenberg