arcus senilis

[ ahr-kuhs suh-nahy-lis ]

noun

, Ophthalmology.

1. the appearance of a yellowish-gray lipid ring around the margin of the cornea, occurring in aging persons.

arcus senilis

/ ˈɑːkəs sɪˈnaɪlɪs /

noun

1. an opaque circle around the cornea of the eye, often seen in elderly people

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcus senilis¹

First recorded in 1785–95, arcus senilis is from Latin arcus senīlis literally, “old man's bow”

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcus senilis¹

Latin: senile bow

Example Sentences

In elderly persons we ought always to look for the arcus senilis, which is a sign of a tendency to fatty degeneration.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, there is the arcus senilis, the fine translucent to opaque circle surrounding the outer portion of the iris.

From Project Gutenberg

A common sign of aging, though not of illness, is the arcus senilis, a whitish or grayish ring that forms around the iris in many older people.

From Seattle Times

This must be distinguished from the true fatty arcus senilis.

From Project Gutenberg

Practically every one with a well-marked arcus senilis has arteriosclerosis, but vice versa not every one with even marked arteriosclerosis has an arcus senilis.

From Project Gutenberg