Noun: pterygium (pterygia) tu'ri-jee-um
- Either of two thickened triangular layers of conjunctiva extending from the nasal edge of the eye to the cornea; it arises from irritation of the pinguecula
"The surfer developed a pterygium due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation"
Derived forms: pterygia
Type of: conjunctiva
Encyclopedia: Pterygium