Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
lachrymal

lachrymal

9.9
Relating to tears or the small glands and tubes in the eye that make and carry them
  • adjective
  • /ˈlækrɪməl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : lagrimal
  • The lachrymal glands are responsible for producing most of the tears in your eyes.

Examples

  • An injury near the lachrymal duct can interfere with normal tear drainage.

  • The lachrymal glands help keep your eyes moist by producing tears.

  • Doctors examined the patient for signs of lachrymal gland inflammation.

  • The lachrymal glands are essential for eye health.

  • She has a lachrymal duct obstruction.

  • Injury to the lachrymal system can lead to excessive tearing.

  • Regular eye check-ups can help identify issues with the lachrymal ducts.

Synonyms

lacrimal
vslachrymal
  • Specialized
1 9.1

Relating to tears and the body parts that make or carry them

is the same in meaning but appears as an older variant spelling

Compounds

lachrymal duct
  • UK
7.9

A small tube that carries tears from the tear gland to the eye surface

lachrymal gland
  • UK
8.4

A small part near the top outer corner of each eye that makes tears to keep the eye wet

lachrymal secretion
  • UK
9.3

A salty liquid from the eye that keeps the surface wet and protects it

Surface Forms

lachrymal positive

Morphology

lachrymal = lachrym + al

The adjective is formed with the combining form 'lachrym-' + suffix '-al', but 'lachrym-' is not a standalone English word and learners will not transparently connect it to 'tear'.

Etymology

Lachrymal comes from the Latin root lacrima, which means 'tear'. So, lachrymal describes anything to do with tears, like the glands and ducts that make or carry your tears.