vitreous
|vit-ri-ous|
🇺🇸
/ˈvɪtriəs/
🇬🇧
/ˈvɪtrɪəs/
glass-like
Etymology
'vitreous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vitreus', where 'vitrum' meant 'glass'.
'vitreous' changed from Latin 'vitreus' into Middle French/Old French forms (e.g. 'vitreux') and was adopted into English as 'vitreous'.
Initially, it meant 'of or relating to glass'; over time it has retained that primary sense and also broadened to specific anatomical use referring to the 'vitreous body' of the eye.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a glassy or vitrified substance; sometimes used to denote the vitreous body of the eye.
Ancient beads were made of a bluish vitreous that did not weather easily.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
having the appearance or texture of glass; glassy.
The mineral had a vitreous luster that reflected light sharply.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
relating to or resembling the vitreous body of the eye (the clear gel filling the eyeball).
An ultrasound revealed a detachment in the vitreous region.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/24 17:37