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Serous: meaning, definitions and examples

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serous

 

[ ˈsɪərəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical context

Serous refers to a type of fluid that is clear, watery, and typically found in various body cavities or tissues. It is a characteristic of certain membranes, particularly those that secrete serous fluid. This type of fluid often cushions organs and reduces friction between them.

Synonyms

clear, serum-like, watery

Examples of usage

  • The serous fluid in the abdominal cavity helps protect the organs.
  • Doctors noted an abnormal increase in serous exudate around the wound.
  • The serous membranes line the thoracic cavity.

Etymology

The term 'serous' comes from the Latin word 'serosus', which means 'watery' or 'of serum'. The use of 'serous' in a biological context pertains to its association with serous membranes, these thin layers of tissue line certain cavities of the body and secrete a lubricating fluid known as serous fluid. This historical linguistic evolution illustrates how medical terminology often roots itself in classical languages, adopting terms that convey specific characteristics of bodily functions or substances. In the 19th century, the term was adopted into medical terminology, highlighting the separation of bodily fluids based on their characteristics, particularly in pathology and anatomy. 'Serous' is frequently used in medical diagnostics to describe specific conditions related to serous fluid accumulation or secretion.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,385, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.