canthus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “canthus” mean?
The corner or angle where the upper and lower eyelids meet on either side of the eye.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The corner or angle where the upper and lower eyelids meet on either side of the eye.
In anatomy, it refers specifically to the lateral canthus (outer corner) or medial canthus (inner corner) of the eye. In some contexts, it can refer to the analogous structure in the eyes of animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “canthus” in a Sentence
[adjective] + canthuscanthus + of the + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canthus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adverb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adjective
British English
- canthal
- The canthal tendon was repaired.
American English
- canthal
- A canthal tilt measurement was taken.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, ophthalmological, and biological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Almost never used. In casual conversation, people refer to the 'corner of the eye'.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Standard terminology in ophthalmology, optometry, surgery, and comparative anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canthus”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canthus”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈkænθʊs/ or /ˈkæntəs/.
- Using it in a non-anatomical context.
- Forgetting that it is a countable noun (e.g., 'both canthi').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, technical term used almost exclusively in medicine and biology.
The medial canthus is the inner corner of the eye, closer to the nose. The lateral canthus is the outer corner of the eye.
It would sound very technical and odd. In everyday language, say 'corner of the eye'.
In British English: /ˈkanθəs/ (KAN-thuhs). In American English: /ˈkænθəs/ (KAN-thuhs). The stress is on the first syllable.
The corner or angle where the upper and lower eyelids meet on either side of the eye.
Canthus is usually technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CAN of THU'S' – imagine opening a can of something near your eye, and you feel a tickle at the corner (canthus) of your eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
The canthus is often a point of measurement or a landmark in clinical descriptions (e.g., 'the tumour extended to the lateral canthus').
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'canthus'?