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Glite Dictionary
lachrymal duct

lachrymal duct

7.9
A small tube that carries tears from the tear gland to the eye surface
  • noun
  • /ˈlækrɪməl dʌkt/
  • UK
translation icon : conducto lagrimal
  • A blockage in the lachrymal duct can cause excessive tearing and discomfort.

Examples

  • The ophthalmologist examined the patient's lachrymal duct for signs of infection.

  • During surgery, care must be taken not to damage the lachrymal duct.

  • The lachrymal duct is essential for tear drainage.

  • She had an infection in her lachrymal duct.

  • A blockage in the lachrymal duct can cause excessive tearing and discomfort.

  • During surgery, care must be taken not to damage the lachrymal duct.

  • The ophthalmologist examined the patient's lachrymal duct for signs of infection.

Synonyms

tear duct
vslachrymal duct
  • Specialized
5 3.2

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

is the technical anatomical term rather than everyday language
lacrimal duct
vslachrymal duct
  • Specialized
6.1

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

is the alternative spelling without a different meaning

Surface Forms

lachrymal duct singular
lachrymal ducts plural

Morphology

lachrymal + duct

The meaning is directly compositional: 'lachrymal' (relating to tears) modifies 'duct' (a channel), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer a channel that carries tears. This follows a common adj+noun anatomical naming pattern (e.g., Spanish 'conducto lagrimal'), making the sense predictable rather than idiomatic.

Etymology

Lachrymal duct comes from old words meaning 'tear' and 'to lead', with lachrymal for 'tear' and duct for 'to lead'. It is a small tube that carries tears from where they are made to the eye surface, so the name explains its meaning today.