ENGLISH
REFERENCE

epithelial

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ɛpɪˈθɛɫjəɫ// ep·ithe·lial

adj. describing the thin layer of cells that covers the outside of your body and lines your internal organs. These cells act like a protective skin or lining for your parts.

adj. relating to the thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body's surface and lining the alimentary canal and other hollow structures. Typically used in medical or biological contexts to describe specific cell types or tissues.


SIMPLE

The doctor examined the epithelial cells under a microscope.

CONTEXTUAL

Epithelial tissue serves as a primary barrier against pathogens by covering all external surfaces of the body.

COMPLEX

Research into epithelial-mesenchymal transition is crucial for understanding how certain cancers develop the ability to migrate from their primary site to other parts of the body.

Origin

From epithelium + -al. By surface analysis, epi- + thel- + -i- + -al.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective preceding the noun it modifies, such as 'tissue', 'cells', or 'lining'.

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