conjunctiva

American  

[kon-juhngk-tahy-vuh] / ˌkɒn dʒʌŋkˈtaɪ və /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

conjunctivas, conjunctivae

1. the mucous membrane that lines the exposed portion of the eyeball and inner surface of the eyelids.

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conjunctiva British  

/ ˌkɒndʒʌŋkˈtaɪvə /

noun

1. the delicate mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid

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conjunctiva Scientific  

/ kŏn′jŭngk-tī′və /

plural

conjunctivas

1. The mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the surface of the eyeball.

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Other Word Forms

• conjunctival adjective
• subconjunctival adjective

Etymology

Origin of conjunctiva

1350–1400; Middle English; short for Medieval Latin membrāna conjunctīva conjunctive membrane; see conjunctive

Example Sentences

Based on their findings, the researchers advise clinicians to avoid using petrolatum-based eye ointments in patients with MicroShunt implants, especially when the device is exposed outside the conjunctiva.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2026

The newly developed organoid model opens the door for research into diseases affecting the conjunctiva.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

“Once we had these functioning organoids, we wanted to know how the conjunctiva is involved in the production of tears,” Marie Bannier-Hélaouët, lead researcher in the project, explains.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

“We discovered that the conjunctiva makes antimicrobial components and therefore contributes to tear production in more ways than by simply making mucus.”

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2024

As a general rule, the pupils are widely dilated and the conjunctiva pearly white—a condition which is in marked contrast with what is seen in typhus fever.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various