conjunctiva
noun
- outer covering of sclera
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˌkɒn.dʒʌŋ(k)ˈtʌɪ.və/ / /kənˈdʒʌŋ(k).tɪv.ə/ / /ˌkɑnˌd͡ʒʌŋ(k)ˈtaɪ.və/
noun
Etymology: From 1540s late Middle English, borrowing from Medieval Latin conjūnctīva (“serving to connect, connective”, feminine), ellipsis of membrāna conjūnctīva (“conjunctive membrane”).
- A clear mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball or sclera.
“There is a third inner eyelid, highly developed and of beautiful mechanism: this is the nictitating membrane, or "winker" (nictito, I wink), a delicate, elastic, translucent, pearly-white fold of the conjunctiva. While the other lids move vertically and have a horizontal commissure, the winker sweeps horizontally or obliquely across the ball, from the side next the beak to the opposite.”