cornea
UK[ˈkɔː.ni.ə]US[ˈkɔːr.ni.ə]
n
the transparent layer forming the front of the eye.
Etymology
the word 'cornea' entered english in the late 14th century from the medieval latin phrase 'cornea tela,' meaning 'horny web or tissue.' this latin term derives from the classical latin 'corneus,' meaning 'of horn' or 'horny,' which itself comes from 'cornu,' meaning 'horn.' the semantic link stems from the ancient observation that the transparent membrane at the front of the eye had a consistency somewhat similar to a thin layer of horn. this reflects a common historical practice of describing body parts by comparing their texture to familiar materials.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin. it is not productively segmented in modern english.
Examples
the doctor examined the patient's cornea for signs of damage.
a corneal transplant can restore vision if the cornea becomes scarred.
the laser surgery reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors.