Epithelialising

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Transforming tissue so that it develops into epithelium, the layer of cells that lines surfaces and cavities of the body
2. Causing a surface or cavity to become covered by epithelial cells as the tissue matures or heals
3. Becoming lined or covered with epithelium, the protective sheet of cells that forms the skin and internal linings

Etymology: "Epithelialising" is the British spelling of "epithelializing," the verb form of "epithelialize," meaning to become covered with epithelium, the tissue that lines body surfaces and cavities. It is built from "epithelial," the adjective, plus the verbal ending "-ise," which turns an adjective or noun into a verb meaning to make or become something. The base word "epithelium" comes from New Latin, borrowed from Greek "epithelion," formed from "epi," meaning "upon," and "thēlē," meaning "nipple" or "teat." The Greek name reflects the tissue's position: it lies on top of the underlying layers, as a covering over them. Within this word, the "-ise" ending carries the sense of a process. A wound that epithelialises is one where new surface cells spread across the exposed area until the tissue is closed over again.