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.
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 The glial cells have no smooth muscle cells. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glial. Accessed 31 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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