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Glite Dictionary
temporal canthus

temporal canthus

9.9
The outer corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet near the temple
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛmpərəl ˈkænθəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : canto temporal
  • The doctor examined the temporal canthus for signs of irritation.

Examples

  • Swelling of the temporal canthus can indicate an allergic reaction.

  • A small mole had developed near her temporal canthus.

  • The temporal canthus is crucial for eye health.

  • Look at her temporal canthus closely.

  • The doctor examined the temporal canthus for signs of irritation.

  • Swelling of the temporal canthus can indicate an allergic reaction.

  • A small mole had developed near her temporal canthus.

Surface Forms

temporal canthus singular
temporal canthi plural

Morphology

temporal + canthus

Both constituents are semantically compositional: 'canthus' denotes a corner of the eye and 'temporal' specifies the temple (lateral) side of the head. Combining them straightforwardly yields the outer/lateral corner of the eye, so a learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

Temporal canthus comes from two parts: temporal, meaning the side of the head near the 'temple', and canthus, meaning the 'corner' where the eyelids meet. So the phrase names the outer corner of the eye nearest the temple, which is why it refers to that exact spot.