Corneal

/ˈkɔrniəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or affecting the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.

Etymology

From cornea (Latin corneus, meaning horny or horn-like) + -al (adjective suffix). The cornea was named for its transparent, horn-like appearance. First used in medical English in the 1600s.

Kelly Says

Your cornea is literally named 'the horny part'—medieval doctors thought it looked like horn because of its transparent, smooth appearance, and they were right that it's incredibly tough but clear!

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