intima

[ in-tuh-muh ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural in·ti·mae [in, -t, uh, -mee].

1. the innermost membrane or lining of some organ or part, especially that of an artery, vein, or lymphatic.

intima

/ ˈɪntɪmə /

noun

1. anatomy zoology the innermost layer of an organ or part, esp of a blood vessel

Derived Forms

• ˈintimal, adjective

Other Words From

• inti·mal adjective
• sub·inti·mal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intima¹

1870–75; < New Latin, noun use of feminine of Latin intimus, intumus inmost, equivalent to in- in- ² + -timus superlative suffix; optimal, ultimate

Word History and Origins

Origin of intima¹

C19: from Latin, feminine of intimus innermost; see intimate ¹

Example Sentences

Itaque legatum cum donis ad eum misit C. Laelium, quocum intima familiaritate vivebat.

From Project Gutenberg

Al fin intima al Sumo Pontfice que renuncie al gobierno temporal de los Estados romanos.

From Project Gutenberg

In intima et ultima secretiori bibliotheca ubi libri sunt pretiosiores.

From Project Gutenberg

These valves are composed of semilunar folds of the tunica intima strengthened by an addition of connective tissue.

From Project Gutenberg

He remarks also that he observed hyaline degeneration of the intima of arteries in the spleen.

From Project Gutenberg