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.
Origin of pterygium
1650–60; < New Latin < Greek
pterýgion little wing or fin, equivalent to
pteryg- (stem of
ptéryx) wing, fin +
-ion diminutive suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM pterygium
pte·ryg·i·al, adjectiveWords nearby pterygium
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
Medical 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.