pleura
UK[ˈplʊərə]US[ˈplʊrə]
n
a delicate serous membrane that lines each half of the thorax of mammals and folds back to cover the surface of the lung of the same side.
Etymology
the word "pleura" entered english in the late 14th century via medieval latin, directly from the ancient greek word "πλευρά" (pleurá), which meant "side," "rib," or "the side of the body." in greek anatomical terminology, it was used to refer to the membrane attached to the ribs and lining the chest cavity. the semantic logic is straightforwardly locational, as the membrane is situated at the side of the chest. the term has remained remarkably stable in its form and specific anatomical meaning from its greek origins through its adoption into scientific latin and modern medical english.
Analysis
the entire word "pleura" is a simplex morpheme borrowed directly from ancient greek.
Examples
inflammation of the pleura is known as pleurisy.
during surgery, the surgeon carefully avoided puncturing the pleura.
a pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura.