meibomian gland

noun

mei·​bo·​mian gland mī-ˈbō-mē-ən- How to pronounce meibomian gland (audio)
variants also Meibomian gland
: one of the tubular sebaceous glands along the edge of the eyelids that discharge a fatty secretion which lubricates the surface of the eye
The meibomian glands, located along the edge of the eyelids, produce a lipid (liquid fat) outer layer that slows the evaporation of the watery tear layer below.Steven Larry, Prevention
The outermost layer is oily, produced by the Meibomian glands at the edge of the eyelid. Its job is to reduce evaporation of the tear film and smooth out its surface.Jane E. Brody, The New York Times

called also tarsal gland

see chalazion

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Cite this Entry

“Meibomian gland.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/meibomian%20gland. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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