endothelium

[ en-doh-thee-lee-uh m ]
/ ˌɛn doʊˈθi li əm /

noun, plural en·do·the·li·a [en-doh-thee-lee-uh] /ˌɛn doʊˈθi li ə/.

a type of epithelium composed of a single layer of smooth, thin cells that lines the heart, blood vessels, lymphatics, and serous cavities.

Origin of endothelium

1870–75; endo- + New Latin -thelium; cf. epithelium

OTHER WORDS FROM endothelium

en·do·the·li·al, adjective sub·en·do·the·li·al, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for endothelium

British Dictionary definitions for endothelium

endothelium
/ (ˌɛndəʊˈθiːlɪəm) /

noun plural -lia (-lɪə)

a tissue consisting of a single layer of cells that lines the blood and lymph vessels, heart, and some other cavities

Derived forms of endothelium

endothelial, adjective endothelioid, adjective

Word Origin for endothelium

C19: New Latin, from endo- + -thelium, from Greek thēlē nipple

Medical definitions for endothelium

endothelium
[ ĕn′dō-thēlē-əm ]

n. pl. en•do•the•li•a (-lē-ə)

A thin layer of flat epithelial cells that lines serous cavities, lymph vessels, and blood vessels.

Other words from endothelium

en′do•theli•al adj.

Scientific definitions for endothelium

endothelium
[ ĕn′dō-thēlē-əm ]

Plural endothelia

A thin layer of flat epithelial cells that lines the lymph vessels, blood vessels, and the inner cavities of the heart. Compare mesothelium.