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pterygium

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noun pte·ryg·i·um \ te-ˈri-jē-əm \

Definition of pterygium

plural pterygia play \-jē-ə\ also pterygiums
: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

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Origin and Etymology of pterygium

New Latin, from Greek pterygion little wing, from pteryx

Medical Dictionary

pterygium

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noun pte·ryg·i·um \ te-ˈrij-ē-əm \

medical Definition of pterygium

plural -iums or -ia play \-ē-ə\
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

Learn More about pterygium

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pterygium

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