# cornea

/ˈkɔɹniə/ (US) · /kˈɔːniə/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cornea
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the clear, outer layer of the eye that helps you see. It acts like a window to protect the inside of your eye.

For teachers: the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. It is responsible for refracting light as it enters the eye.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the health of my cornea during the eye exam.
- After the surgery, the patient's cornea healed quickly, allowing her to see clearly without glasses.
- The cornea is the primary refractive surface of the eye, and its curvature is essential for focusing light precisely onto the retina.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.