epithelial

adjective

ep·​i·​the·​li·​al ˌe-pə-ˈthē-lē-əl 

: of or relating to epithelium

intestinal epithelial cells

epithelial ovarian cancer

Examples of epithelial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include tenocytes [the primary component of tendons]; the cells that wrap around blood vessels and stabilize the circulatory system; the smooth muscle cells of the colon; and kidney epithelial cells, which filter toxins from the blood. — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

But the heat doesn’t just exacerbate existing illnesses; new research suggests that high temperatures impair the immune system and can break down the epithelial barriers in the lungs, skin, and gut. — Lorraine Boissoneault, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026

For invasive epithelial ovarian cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year relative survival rate is 32%, according to the ACS. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Low iron levels cause the epithelial tissues of the lips and mouth to become thin, dry, and prone to tearing. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for epithelial

• mesothelial
• urothelial
• belial
• cellule
• intraepithelial
• subepithelial
• myoepithelial

Medical Definition

epithelial

adjective

ep·​i·​the·​li·​al ˌep-ə-ˈthē-lē-əl 

: of or relating to epithelium

epithelial cells