epiphora

[ ih-pif-er-uh ]

noun

1. Pathology. an overflow of tears due to excessive secretion of the lacrimal glands or obstruction of the lacrimal ducts.
2. Rhetoric. epistrophe ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of epiphora¹

1650–60; < Latin epiphora an afflux, repetition < Greek epiphorá a bringing upon. See epi-, -phore

Example Sentences

As a rule, patients who have had the lachrymal sac excised do not complain of epiphora, except in a cold wind.

From Project Gutenberg