applanation
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌæpləˈneɪʃən/
- Specialized
- The doctor explained that applanation is essential for accurately measuring intraocular pressure during an eye exam.
Examples
-
Intraocular pressure was measured with an applanation tonometer; patients whose tension exceeded 21 mm Hg were also evaluated with an automatic visual field measurement.
Academic text (1998) -
Using applanation tonometry, the ophthalmologist monitored the patient's eye pressure over time.
-
Applanation techniques are often used in clinical settings to ensure precise measurements of eye pressure.
Synonyms
1
7.9
To measure the pressure inside the eye by pressing the front of the eye gently
How Flat
- Specialized
1
9.9
16
2.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
applanation = applanate (semi-transparent) = applan + ation
Derived from the verb 'applanate' by the nominalizing suffix '-ation'; the verb is rare so the formation may be unfamiliar to many learners.
Etymology
Applanation comes from Latin parts ad- 'to' and planare 'make flat', and it is like the English word plane, which means a flat surface. So applanation is the act of 'making flat'. In eye care it means gently flattening the eye's surface to measure pressure.