pterygium

[ tuh-rij-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Ophthalmology.

, plural pte·ryg·i·ums, pte·ryg·i·a [t, uh, -, rij, -ee-, uh].

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

Other Words From

• pte·rygi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pterygium¹

1650–60; < New Latin < Greek pterýgion little wing or fin, equivalent to pteryg- (stem of ptéryx ) wing, fin + -ion diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

Pterygium should be removed when advancing across the cornea, especially when the pupillary area is becoming involved.

From Project Gutenberg

Each consists of a basal portion, the basi-pterygium, and of a number of dermal rays.

From Project Gutenberg

There is always a large basi-pterygium which lies imbedded in the muscles and meets its fellow at its proximal end.

From Project Gutenberg

In Chimaera all three basalia are present, but the meso-pterygium is shifted and does not articulate with the pectoral girdle.

From Project Gutenberg

The males in Elasmobranchii and Holocephali have the distal end of the meta-pterygium prolonged into a clasper.

From Project Gutenberg