tunica

noun tu·ni·ca \ ˈtü-ni-kə , ˈtyü- \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of tunica

plural tunicae play \ˈtü-nə-ˌkē, -ˌkī, -ˌsē, ˈtyü-\

: an enveloping membrane or layer of body tissue

Recent Examples of tunica from the Web

But when too much pressure is placed on the tissue, the external envelope surrounding the corpus cavernosa -- called the tunica albuginea -- can tear, causing a corporal rupture, according to Purohit.

— mark lieber, CNN, "Every man's nightmare: The serious case of the 'Broken Bananah'," 18 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of tunica

Latin, tunic, membrane

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1698

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

tunica

noun tu·ni·ca \ ˈt(y)ü-ni-kə \

medical Definition of tunica

plural tunicae play \-nə-ˌkē, -ˌkī, -ˌsē\

: an enveloping membrane or layer of body tissue

Learn More about tunica

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tunica

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