epithelial

adjective

ep·​i·​the·​li·​al ˌe-pə-ˈthē-lē-əl How to pronounce epithelial (audio)
: of or relating to epithelium
intestinal epithelial cells
epithelial ovarian cancer

Examples of epithelial 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.
In the gut lining, intestinal mast cells take cues from other nearby epithelial cells, shifting activity to make more leukotrienes and less histamine. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 The drug is deposited next to epithelial cells that can transfer it to the bloodstream. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025 As a result, the frequency and strength of the electrical signals that epithelial cells produce were reduced. Steve Granick, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 The different subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer are:1 Serous Mucinous Endometrioid Clear cell Epithelial ovarian cancer is also classified by grade. Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epithelial

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epithelial was in 1845

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epithelial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epithelial. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

epithelial

adjective
ep·​i·​the·​li·​al ˌep-ə-ˈthē-lē-əl How to pronounce epithelial (audio)
: of or relating to epithelium
epithelial cells
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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