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pterygium

[ tuh-rij-ee-uh m ]
/ təˈrɪdʒ i əm /

noun, plural pte·ryg·i·ums, pte·ryg·i·a [tuh-rij-ee-uh] /təˈrɪdʒ i ə/. Ophthalmology.

an abnormal triangular mass of thickened conjunctiva extending over the cornea and interfering with vision.

Nearby words

pteropterin, pterosaur, pteroylglutamic acid, pteroyltriglutamic acid, pterygial, pterygium, pterygo-, pterygoid, pterygoid canal, pterygoid nerve, pterygoid process

Origin of pterygium

1650–60; < New Latin < Greek pterýgion little wing or fin, equivalent to pteryg- (stem of ptéryx) wing, fin + -ion diminutive suffix
Related formspte·ryg·i·al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for pterygial

pterygial

/ (təˈrɪdʒɪəl) /

adjective

zoology of or relating to a fin or wing

Word Origin for pterygial

from Greek pterux wing
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 pterygial

pterygium

[ tə-rĭj′ē-əm ]

n. pl. pte•ryg•i•ums

An abnormal mass of tissue arising from the conjunctiva of the inner corner of the eye that obstructs vision by growing over the cornea.
Related formspte•ryg′i•al adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.