Dacryorrhea

/ˌdækrɪˈɔːriə/ noun

Definition

Excessive tearing or abnormal flow of tears from the eyes, often caused by blocked or inflamed tear ducts.

Etymology

From Greek dakryon (tear) + rhoia (flow). This straightforward medical term uses the ancient flow-related suffix to describe any pathological excess of tears beyond normal crying or emotional responses.

Kelly Says

Your tear system is supposed to drain tears into your nose (which is why you get a runny nose when you cry), but when ducts get blocked or inflamed, tears overflow down your cheeks instead!

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