intima

noun

in·​ti·​ma ˈin-tə-mə How to pronounce intima (audio)
plural intimae ˈin-tə-ˌmē How to pronounce intima (audio) -ˌmī How to pronounce intima (audio) or intimas
: the innermost coat of an organ (such as a blood vessel) consisting usually of an endothelial layer backed by connective tissue and elastic tissue
intimal adjective

Examples of intima in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An artery is made of three layers, so the intima is the inner layer. . . . Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 12 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intima.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of intimus

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intima was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near intima

Cite this Entry

“Intima.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intima. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

intima

noun
in·​ti·​ma ˈint-ə-mə How to pronounce intima (audio)
plural intimae -ˌmē How to pronounce intima (audio) -ˌmī How to pronounce intima (audio) or intimas
: the innermost coat of an organ (as a blood vessel) consisting usually of an endothelial layer backed by connective tissue and elastic tissue

called also tunica intima

intimal adjective
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