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Glite Dictionary
meibomian

meibomian

9.9
Relating to the small glands in the eyelids that make oil to stop tears from drying
  • adjective
  • /maɪˈboʊmiən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : meibomiano
  • A blockage in the meibomian glands can cause dry eyes.

Examples

  • The doctor explained that meibomian secretions help keep the eyes moist.

  • Inflammation of the meibomian glands may lead to discomfort and irritation.

  • A meibomian gland dysfunction can cause dry eyes.

  • The meibomian glands are essential for eye health.

  • A meibomian gland dysfunction can cause dry eyes.

  • The doctor explained that meibomian secretions help keep the eyes moist.

  • Inflammation of the meibomian glands may lead to discomfort and irritation.

Compounds

Meibomian cyst
  • Specialized
7.0

A small painless lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland

Meibomian gland
  • Specialized
8.1

A small part inside the eyelid that makes oil to keep the surface of the eye wet

Surface Forms

meibomian positive

Morphology

meibomian = Meibom (opaque) = meibom + ian

Formed by the adjective suffix '-ian' attached to a proper name (Meibom); the base is an eponym unfamiliar to typical learners, so the meaning cannot be derived from known common English morphemes.

Etymology

Meibomian is named after a German doctor, Meibom, who studied the small glands in the eyelid. So meibomian refers to the glands that make an 'oily' substance to keep the eyes 'moist' and stop tears from drying.