Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

pleura

noun pleu·ra \ ˈplu̇r-ə \

Definition of pleura

plural pleurae play \ˈplu̇r-ˌē, -ˌī\ or pleuras
: the delicate serous membrane that lines each half of the thorax of mammals and is folded back over the surface of the lung of the same side
—

pleural

play \ˈplu̇r-əl\ adjective

See pleura defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of pleura

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Greek, rib, side

Medical Dictionary

pleura

noun pleu·ra \ ˈplu̇r-ə \

medical Definition of pleura

plural pleurae play \ˈplu̇r-ē\ or pleuras
: either of a pair of two-walled sacs of serous membrane each of which lines one lateral half of the thorax, has an inner visceral layer closely adherent to the corresponding lung, is reflected at the root of the lung to form a parietal layer that adheres to the walls of the thorax, the pericardium, the upper surface of the diaphragm, and adjacent parts, and contains a small amount of serous fluid that minimizes the friction of respiratory movements

Learn More about pleura

  1. See words that rhyme with pleura Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pleura

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pleura? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

satiety

play

fullness to the point of excess

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

pleura

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

  • alphabet-pasta-spelling-help
  • Which is the correct spelling?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games