hyaloid membrane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialized Technical (Medical/Ophthalmological)
Quick answer
What does “hyaloid membrane” mean?
The transparent, thin membrane that surrounds the vitreous body of the eye.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The transparent, thin membrane that surrounds the vitreous body of the eye.
In anatomical contexts, it specifically refers to the delicate, glassy membrane enveloping the vitreous humor, separating it from the retina. In broader scientific or metaphorical use, it can describe any thin, transparent, membranous structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows standard regional conventions (e.g., 'membrane' is spelled identically).
Connotations
Purely denotative, technical, and clinical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both British and American English, confined to ophthalmology, optometry, and related medical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “hyaloid membrane” in a Sentence
The [adj] hyaloid membranerupture of the hyaloid membraneposterior to the hyaloid membraneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hyaloid membrane” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hyaloid vasculature is transient.
- He studied the hyaloid canal.
American English
- The hyaloid vasculature is transient.
- He studied the hyaloid canal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and biological research papers, anatomical textbooks, and ophthalmology dissertations.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context: detailed anatomical description, surgical planning, diagnosis of vitreoretinal pathologies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hyaloid membrane”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hyaloid membrane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hyaloid membrane”
- Mispronouncing 'hyaloid' as /ˈhaɪ.lɔɪd/ (missing the schwa).
- Confusing it with the 'hyaloid artery', a related structure.
- Using it as an adjective for non-anatomical things (e.g., 'a hyaloid plastic sheet').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Indirectly. Its primary role is structural, containing the vitreous gel. Damage or detachment can lead to visual symptoms like floaters or, in severe cases, retinal traction.
Not with the naked eye. It is transparent and can only be visualized during a detailed ophthalmological examination using specialised equipment like a slit lamp or during vitreoretinal surgery.
No. The vitreous humor is the gel-like substance inside the eye. The hyaloid membrane is the very thin, transparent membrane that encloses that gel.
As a distinct structure, it is not a common source of problems. However, age-related changes often involve the vitreous gel and its interface with this membrane, leading to posterior vitreous detachment, a frequent condition.
The transparent, thin membrane that surrounds the vitreous body of the eye.
Hyaloid membrane is usually specialized technical (medical/ophthalmological) in register.
Hyaloid membrane: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.ə.lɔɪd ˈmɛm.breɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.ə.lɔɪd ˈmɛm.breɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'hyaloid' sounding like 'hyaline' (glassy/transparent) and it being the 'eye's lid' of glass around the vitreous gel.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CLEAR BAG containing jelly; A GLASS SKIN.
Practice
Quiz
The hyaloid membrane is most directly associated with which part of the eye?