cornea

[kawr-nee-uh]

noun

Anatomy.

1. the transparent anterior part of the external coat of the eye covering the iris and the pupil and continuous with the sclera.

cornea

/ ˈkɔːnɪə /

noun

1. the convex transparent membrane that forms the anterior covering of the eyeball and is continuous with the sclera

cornea

1. The tough transparent membrane of the outer layer of the eyeball that covers the iris and the pupil.

cornea

1. The transparent outer covering of the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil.

Other Word Forms

• corneal adjective
• multicorneal adjective
• precorneal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornea¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin cornea ( tēla, later tunica ) horny (web or tunic), feminine of corneus corneous

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornea¹

C14: from Medieval Latin cornea tēla horny web, from Latin cornū _horn

Example Sentences

Originally introduced in Europe, this 20-minute cosmetic procedure involves using a laser to create a channel in the cornea, where colored pigment is deposited to change the color of the eye.

From Salon

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and weaken, leading to vision distortion, not ideal for someone hitting baseballs for a living.

From Los Angeles Times

Acid was squirted into Paul Laskey's face causing severe chemical burns to his eye, "melting" both the inner and outer layers of his cornea.

From BBC

Her organs, including her kidneys, liver and corneas, were donated, according to a statement issued by Chania General Hospital.

From Los Angeles Times

She has keratoconus - a condition where the cornea thins and bulges, causing distorted and blurred vision.

From BBC