: a fleshy mass of thickened conjunctiva that grows over part of the cornea usually from the inner side of the eyeball and causes a disturbance of vision

Examples of pterygium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Wind and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause a pterygium. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2024 Surgery: In cases of pterygium causing vision problems, surgery to remove the growth can help restore vision and reduce symptoms. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pterygion little wing, from pteryx

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pterygium was in 1562

Dictionary Entries Near pterygium

Cite this Entry

“Pterygium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pterygium. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

pterygium

noun
plural pterygiums or pterygia -ē-ə How to pronounce pterygium (audio)
1
: a triangular fleshy mass of thickened conjunctiva occurring usually at the inner side of the eyeball, covering part of the cornea, and causing a disturbance of vision
2
: a forward growth of the cuticle over the nail

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