1. a triangular growth of tissue that extends from the conjunctiva onto the cornea of the eye
Usage: medical

Examples

• The ophthalmologist diagnosed the patient with a pterygium in her left eye.
• Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of developing a pterygium.
• The pterygium was causing vision problems and needed surgical removal.
• She wore sunglasses regularly to prevent pterygium formation.
• The doctor explained that a pterygium appears as a fleshy growth on the white part of the eye.
• Surgery to remove the pterygium was scheduled for the following week.