conjunctiva

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​va ˌkän-ˌjəŋ(k)-ˈtī-və 

kən-

plural conjunctivas or conjunctivae ˌkän-ˌjəŋ(k)-ˈtī-(ˌ)vē 

kən-

: the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the forepart of the eyeball see eye illustration

conjunctival

ˌkän-ˌjəŋ(k)-ˈtī-vəl 

kən-

adjective

Examples of conjunctiva in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The conjunctiva is a thin and clear membrane that lines the inside of your eyelid and the white part of your eye. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

Inflammation of the conjunctiva makes small blood vessels in the eye more visible, causing the whites of the eyes to appear pink or reddish-colored. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2024

Pink eye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the part of the eye called the conjunctiva, which is the membrane lining the inside of the eyelid as well as the eyeball. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 30 July 2024

If goblet cells on the conjunctiva (lining of the eyelids and white of the eye) are affected, the mucin layer will also be affected. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Latin, feminine of conjunctivus conjoining, from Latin conjunctus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

conjunctiva

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​va ˌkän-ˌjəŋk-ˈtī-və 

-ˈtē-

plural conjunctivas or conjunctivae -(ˌ)vē 

: the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the front part of the eyeball

Medical Definition

conjunctiva

noun

con·​junc·​ti·​va ˌkän-ˌjəŋ(k)-ˈtī-və, kən- 

plural conjunctivas or conjunctivae -(ˌ)vē 

: the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is continued over the forepart of the eyeball

conjunctival

-vəl 

adjective