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.
The glial cells have no smooth muscle cells. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026 In humans, glial scars form very quickly after injury. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 Brains aren’t just made of neurons; they’re surrounded by glial cells, some of which envelop the neuronal junctions. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 Apr. 2026 Neurons and glial cells are like dance partners in the brain, coordinating moves that shape how signals flow and how excitable neurons become. — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

gliadin
glial
glib
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Cite this Entry

“Glial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glial. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

glial

adjective
gli·​al ˈglē-əl How to pronounce glial (audio) ˈglī-əl How to pronounce glial (audio)
: of, relating to, or comprising glia
glial cells
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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