noun
cornea
KOR-nee-uh/ˈkɔːrniə/
The transparent front layer of the eye.
The clear cornea curves over the iris and pupil.
Etymology
The “horny sheath” image refers to this covering’s firm consistency. The transparent front of the eye was named for that horn-like physical quality.
In context
a bullet fragment penetrated his cornea and he lost use of his eye
More examples
- The cornea helps focus light as it enters the eye.
- A scratched cornea can make blinking painful.
- The doctor examines both corneas for signs of damage.
Forms
cornea · corneas · corneae
corneal adjective — Relating to the eye’s transparent front layer.