limbus

noun

lim·​bus ˈlim-bəs How to pronounce limbus (audio)
: the marginal region of the cornea of the eye by which it is continuous with the sclera

Examples of limbus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the new study, the researchers took a small biopsy from the limbus of each patient’s healthy eye, then separated the stem cells from the rest of the biopsied tissue. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Aug. 2023 These stem cells are from the limbus, a zone of tissue around the cornea that generates transparent cells that protect and heal the eye’s surface. Theresa Tamkins, NBC News, 18 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'limbus.' 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

Latin, border

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limbus was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near limbus

Cite this Entry

“Limbus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limbus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

limbus

noun
lim·​bus ˈlim-bəs How to pronounce limbus (audio)
: a border distinguished by color or structure
especially : the marginal region of the cornea of the eye by which it is continuous with the sclera

More from Merriam-Webster on limbus

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