Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×
1

vitreous

adjective vit·re·ous \ ˈvi-trē-əs \
|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of vitreous

1 a : resembling glass (as in color, composition, brittleness, or luster) : glassy
  • vitreous rocks
b : characterized by low porosity and usually translucence due to the presence of a glassy phase
  • vitreous china
2 : of, relating to, derived from, or consisting of glass
3 : of, relating to, or constituting the vitreous humor
  • vitreous surgery

Recent Examples of vitreous from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of vitreous

Middle English, from Latin, from vitrum glass

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

2

vitreous

noun

Definition of vitreous

: vitreous humor

First Known Use of vitreous

1869

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Medical Dictionary

1

vitreous

adjective vit·re·ous \ ˈvi-trē-əs \

medical Definition of vitreous

: of, relating to, constituting, or affecting the vitreous body
  • vitreous hemorrhages
2

vitreous

noun

medical Definition of vitreous

: vitreous body

Learn More about vitreous

  1. Nglish: Translation of vitreous for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up vitreous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

vitreous

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games