ophthalmology

noun

oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gy ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmä-lə-jē How to pronounce ophthalmology (audio)
ˌäp-,
-ˌthal-
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye
ophthalmologic adjective
or ophthalmological
ophthalmologically adverb

Examples of ophthalmology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
California Their work in peril, UCLA researchers decry Trump administration funding cuts at protest April 9, 2025 A favorite professor, who specialized in eye infection and inflammation, steered her into ophthalmology and helped Acharya find her life’s passion. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025 This comprehensive ranking will spotlight the nation's most respected doctors across various specialties including ophthalmology, orthopedics, pain management and more. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 Tavakoli’s experience spans from private practice and ophthalmology clinics to community health centers and veteran care. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 How To Attract And Retain Ophthalmologists Beyond the supply and demand imbalances, the attractiveness of ophthalmology as a career is hindered by several issues. A Kirby Cole, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ophthalmology

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ophthalmologie, from ophthalmo- ophthalmo- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ophthalmology was circa 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ophthalmology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ophthalmology. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ophthalmology

noun
oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gy ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ophthalmology (audio)
ˌäp-,
-ˌthal-
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye

Medical Definition

ophthalmology

noun
oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gy -ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ophthalmology (audio)
plural ophthalmologies
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye
ophthalmologic adjective
or ophthalmological
ophthalmologically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ophthalmology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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