pterygium

[ tuh-rij-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Ophthalmology.

, plural pte·ryg·i·ums, pte·ryg·i·a [t, uh, -, rij, -ee-, uh].

1. an abnormal triangular mass of thickened conjunctiva extending over the cornea and interfering with vision.

Other Words From

• pte·rygi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pterygium¹

1650–60; < New Latin < Greek pterýgion little wing or fin, equivalent to pteryg- (stem of ptéryx ) wing, fin + -ion diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium.

From Washington Post

One condition also often associated with excessive exposure to UV ray is "surfers' eye" or pterygium; a benign growth of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that covers the outer surface of the eye.

From BBC

The doctor diagnosed the ailment as pterygium, which he said was a common problem in the backstretch, caused by particles and extreme sun exposure.

From New York Times

In some cases, however, it has been found that after removal of a large pterygium, a retraction of the caruncle and the semilunar fold is apt to take place, which renders the eyeball unpleasantly prominent.

From Project Gutenberg

Connected with diseases of the eye, pterygium is common; not only single, but double, triple, and even quadruple are occasionally met with.

From Project Gutenberg