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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pleura

• crura
• dura
• pura
• sura
• angostura
• anura
• asura
• bandura
• bravura
• caesura
• datura
• purpura

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