pterygium
noun
pte·ryg·i·um te-ˈri-jē-əm 
plural pterygia te-ˈri-jē-ə also pterygiums
also pterygiums : a fleshy mass of thickened conjunctiva that grows over part of the cornea usually from the inner side of the eyeball and causes a disturbance of vision
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web And so the Paralympian — who was born with popliteal pterygium syndrome and is a double above-knee amputee — took him up on the offer. 
Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE.com, 14 Aug. 2020 Handler explained that a pterygium can extend onto the cornea, affecting vision. Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2019 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Ultraviolet rays may play a role in the development of cataracts as well as growths on the surface of the eye called pterygiums, which can impede your vision. Amanda Gardner, Health.com, 13 June 2018 See More
Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE.com, 14 Aug. 2020 Handler explained that a pterygium can extend onto the cornea, affecting vision. Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2019 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Other eye conditions are related to UV exposure, including the noncancerous growths known as pinguecula and pterygium. Jill U. Adams, courant.com, 31 May 2018 Ultraviolet rays may play a role in the development of cataracts as well as growths on the surface of the eye called pterygiums, which can impede your vision. Amanda Gardner, Health.com, 13 June 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek pterygion little wing, from pteryx
First Known Use
1562, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
pterygium
noun
pte·ryg·i·um te-ˈrij-ē-əm
plural pterygiums or pterygia -ē-ə
1
: a triangular fleshy mass of thickened conjunctiva occurring usually at the inner side of the eyeball, covering part of the cornea, and causing a disturbance of vision
2
: a forward growth of the cuticle over the nail