glial

adjective

gli·​al ˈglē-əl How to pronounce glial (audio) ˈglī- How to pronounce glial (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting glia
glial cells

Examples of glial 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.
According to the American Brain Tumor Association, a low-grade glioma is a type of slow-growing brain tumor that arises from glial cells, which support and protect neurons. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Sure enough, after the impacts from the piston, the HSV-1 cells became active and began causing their usual havoc – sparking inflammation, fostering the growth of tangle-causing amyloid plaques, killing off neurons, and leading to a runaway development of glial cells in a process called gliosis. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2025 Upon impact, according to McQuiston, the brain releases ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) into the bloodstream. Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 2 Aug. 2024 In particular, the role of non-neuronal cells called glial cells—of which astrocytes are an example—has undergone wholesale re-examination. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for glial

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glial was in 1888

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Cite this Entry

“Glial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glial. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

glial

adjective
: of, relating to, or comprising glia
glial cells
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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