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Glite Dictionary
keratocele

keratocele

9.9
A bulge of the cornea through a weak spot in the front of the eye
  • noun
  • /ˈkɛrətəˌsiːl/
  • Specialized
: queratocele
  • The ophthalmologist diagnosed the patient with a keratocele after observing the bulge in the cornea.

Examples

  • Prompt surgical intervention is often required to treat a keratocele and prevent complications.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with a keratocele after examining her eye.

  • A keratocele may occur as a result of previous corneal injury or disease.

  • A keratocele can cause vision problems if left untreated.

  • The ophthalmologist diagnosed the patient with a keratocele after observing the bulge in the cornea.

  • A keratocele may occur as a result of previous corneal injury or disease.

  • A keratocele can cause vision problems if left untreated.

Synonyms

keratectasia
vskeratocele
  • Specialized
9.9

A thin clear front part of the eye that bulges outward and makes vision worse

is a localized hernia where part of the cornea pushes through a weak spot

Surface Forms

keratocele singular
keratoceles plural

Morphology

keratocele = kerato + cele

The term is built from specialised medical combining forms ('kerato-' for cornea and '-cele' for hernia) which are not productive standalone English words for average learners, so the meaning is not inferable by a B1 learner from its parts.

Etymology

Keratocele comes from the Greek root kerat- meaning 'horn' and the ending -cele meaning 'swelling' or 'bulge', and kerat- is the same root as keratin, the material in hair and nails. The cornea was thought of like a clear 'horn', so a keratocele is when part of the cornea bulges out through a weak area.