Meibomian

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. A type of gland situated in the edge of the eyelids that produces lipids essential for maintaining tear stability
2. Related to glands found in the eyelids that secrete oil, preventing tear evaporation and maintaining eye health
3. A specialized gland located in the eyelids that secretes lipids to help stabilize the tear film and prevent dryness in the eyes

Etymology: Meibomian is named after Heinrich Meibom, a German physician of the seventeenth century, who described the glands in the eyelids that bear his name. The word is built simply: the surname Meibom plus the suffix "-ian," which turns a proper name into an adjective meaning "relating to" that person. So a meibomian gland is, literally, a gland associated with Meibom. The glands themselves sit along the edge of each eyelid, where they release an oily layer onto the tear film. That oil slows evaporation, which is why a blocked or underperforming gland can leave the eye dry and irritated. The adjective is used in medical writing for anything connected with these glands, such as meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye.