glial

adjective

gli·​al ˈglē-əl  ˈglī- 

: of, relating to, or constituting glia

glial cells

Examples of glial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oligodendroglioma is a rare type of primary brain or spinal cord tumor that develops from glial cells and can result in seizures, headaches and neurological changes, according to the National Institutes of Health. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Participants who experienced rising segregation over time showed elevated levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL), which reflect brain stress and nerve cell injury. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 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

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

glial

adjective

gli·​al ˈglē-əl  ˈglī-əl 

: of, relating to, or comprising glia

glial cells