pterygium

noun

pte·ryg·i·um | \ te-ˈri-jē-əm

plural pterygia\ te-ˈri-jē-ə

\ also pterygiums

Definition of pterygium

: a fleshy mass of thickened conjunctiva that grows over part of the cornea usually from the inner side of the eyeball and causes a disturbance of vision

Examples of pterygium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Handler explained that a pterygium can extend onto the cornea, affecting vision. — Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Protect your eyes for life with healthy diet, sun shielding," 24 June 2019 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. — Jill U. Adams, courant.com, "For Your Eyes: Sunglasses Even On A Cloudy Day," 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. — Jill U. Adams, courant.com, "For Your Eyes: Sunglasses Even On A Cloudy Day," 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. — Jill U. Adams, courant.com, "For Your Eyes: Sunglasses Even On A Cloudy Day," 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. — Jill U. Adams, courant.com, "For Your Eyes: Sunglasses Even On A Cloudy Day," 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. — Jill U. Adams, courant.com, "For Your Eyes: Sunglasses Even On A Cloudy Day," 31 May 2018 Ultraviolet rays may play a role in the development of cataracts as well as growths on the surface of the eye called pterygiums, which can impede your vision. — Amanda Gardner, Health.com, "Why Those Tiny Sunglasses Celebs Love Aren't Actually Good for Your Eyes," 13 June 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. — Jill U. Adams, courant.com, "For Your Eyes: Sunglasses Even On A Cloudy Day," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pterygium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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9 Jul 2019

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The first known use of pterygium was in 1562

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More Definitions for pterygium

pterygium

noun

pte·ryg·i·um | \ te-ˈrij-ē-əm

plural pterygiums or pterygia\ -ē-ə

Medical Definition of pterygium

1 : a triangular fleshy mass of thickened conjunctiva occurring usually at the inner side of the eyeball, covering part of the cornea, and causing a disturbance of vision

2 : a forward growth of the cuticle over the nail