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Glite Dictionary
Meibomian gland

Meibomian gland

8.1
A small part inside the eyelid that makes oil to keep the surface of the eye wet
  • noun
  • /ˈmeɪbɔːmiən ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula de Meibomio
  • The Meibomian gland secretes oils to keep the eye lubricated.

Examples

  • Proper eyelid hygiene can help maintain healthy Meibomian glands.

  • A blockage in a Meibomian gland may cause irritation and swelling of the eyelid.

  • Doctors examined her eyelid for signs of a Meibomian gland dysfunction.

  • She has an issue with her Meibomian glands causing dry eyes.

  • A blockage in a Meibomian gland may cause irritation and swelling of the eyelid.

  • Doctors examined her eyelid for signs of a Meibomian gland dysfunction.

  • Proper eyelid hygiene can help maintain healthy Meibomian glands.

Synonyms

tarsal gland
vsMeibomian gland
  • Specialized
8.6

A small part at the edge of the eyelid that makes oil to keep the eyelids from sticking

secretes oil to lubricate the eye surface rather than the eyelids

How Oily

oil gland
1 3.7
Meibomian gland
  • Specialized
8.1
sweat gland
  • Specialized
3 2.7

Surface Forms

Meibomian gland singular
Meibomian glands plural

Morphology

meibomian + gland

The noun phrase is fully compositional: 'meibomian' specifies the type (relating to glands that secrete eye oils) and 'gland' names the organ, so together they mean a gland that secretes oils for the eye. Although the term is technical, its meaning follows directly from the constituent meanings, so a learner who knows both words can infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Meibomian gland may come from the name of a doctor called Meibom who first wrote about these small eyelid glands. They make 'oil' that helps 'keep the eye moist', so the name points to the parts of the eyelid that keep the eye comfortable.