HealthAugust 10, 2026

epithelial

EP-ih-THEE-lee-uhl

Definition

Relating to the epithelium, which is the thin tissue forming the outer layer of a body's surface and lining the inner cavities and organs.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'epithēliēs,' meaning 'laid on,' combining 'epi-' (upon) and 'thēlē' (nipple or surface), originally used to describe the skin covering the lips.

In the news

In the context of asthma care, the term refers to the cells lining the airways, which are analyzed in FeNO testing to help identify the underlying cause of inflammation.

Beyond blue inhaler: Doctor explains how FeNO testing could unlock biologic treatment for severe Asthma

Read the full article ↗

News9live

Related words

adenocarcinoma

A type of malignant tumor that forms in the glandular tissues, such as those lining the…

Health

arteritic

Relating to or caused by inflammation of the arteries.

Health

bioorthogonal

Describing a chemical reaction that can occur inside a living system without interfering…

Health

bronchodilator

A type of medication that relaxes the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, helping to…

Health

brooding

To dwell on one's own negative thoughts, feelings, or past events in a repetitive,…

Health

carcinoma

A type of malignant tumor that arises from epithelial cells, the tissue that lines the…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.