glial
|gli-al|
/ˈɡlaɪəl/
related to glia (glue-like support cells)
Etymology
'glial' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'glía', where 'glía' meant 'glue'.
'glial' changed from Neo-Latin/Modern scientific usage of 'glia' (from Greek 'glía') and was adopted into English medical terminology in the late 19th to early 20th century as the adjective 'glial'.
Initially, the root meant 'glue' (a sticky substance), but over time it evolved to refer specifically to the supporting (glue-like) cells of the nervous system and things relating to them.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to glia or glial cells; of or pertaining to the non-neuronal supportive cells of the nervous system.
Glial cells provide structural and metabolic support to neurons.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/30 14:53