pleura

noun

pleu·​ra ˈplu̇r-ə 

plural pleurae 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

ˈplu̇r-əl 

adjective

Examples of pleura in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cancer may also be found in the bronchus, pleura, diaphragm, chest wall, breastbone, backbone, phrenic nerve, pericardium, vena cava, aorta, pharynx, trachea, esophagus, and/or carina (the area where the trachea branches into the bronchi). —Lynne Eldridge, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2023

Stage 1b cancers often grow into one of the bronchi (main airways) or the visceral pleura (membranes surrounding the lungs). —Doru Paul, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2023

And their effects were nigh indistinguishable when Carbone tested them on cells taken from the lining around the pleura (the mesothelium, from which mesothelioma gets its name). —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2011

The outer layer is called the parietal pleura and attaches to the chest wall, according to the National Library of Medicine. —Howard Cohen Miami Herald (tns), al, 26 July 2022

Once airborne, the fibres can find their way into the lungs of passers-by, accumulating in the surrounding cavity (the pleura). —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2011

Along with pleural fluid, the lung pleura allows for easy movement of the lungs and inflation during breathing. —Howard Cohen Miami Herald (tns), al, 26 July 2022

The parietal pleura is a membrane that folds back on itself to form a two-layered sac. —Howard Cohen Miami Herald (tns), al, 26 July 2022

The parietal pleura is a membrane that's bound by connective tissue to the inner surface of the chest wall, and plays a major role in the formation and removal of pleural fluid, according to Science Direct. —Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, 25 July 2022

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pleura

noun

pleu·​ra ˈplu̇r-ə 

plural pleurae ˈplu̇(ə)r-ˌē 

-ˌī

or pleuras

: the delicate membrane lining each half of the chest of mammals and folded back over the surface of the lung of the same side

pleural

ˈplu̇r-əl 

adjective

Medical Definition

pleura

noun

pleu·​ra ˈplu̇r-ə 

plural pleurae 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