sclera

noun

ˈskler-ə How to pronounce sclera (audio)
: the dense fibrous opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball except the part covered by the cornea see eye illustration
scleral
ˈskler-əl How to pronounce sclera (audio)
adjective

Examples of sclera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Doctors noticed Nara had blue sclera, a condition that causes the white part of her eyes to look blue. — Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 Nov. 2025 The yellow tinge in the sclera of her eyes suggests a liver issue and that too is consistent with the bloodwork. — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026 Minimal-prep when possible, shade matching to skin and sclera. — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025 In order to get in, the doctors make tiny incisions in the white parts of the eye (the sclera) and use a hollow needle-like device with suction. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sclera

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sklēros

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sclera was in 1888

Rhymes for sclera

See All Rhymes for sclera

Browse Nearby Words

scler-
sclera
Scleranthus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sclera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sclera. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sclera

noun
ˈskler-ə How to pronounce sclera (audio)
: the dense fibrous white or bluish white tissue that forms the outer covering of the back five-sixths of the eye and is replaced in front by the transparent cornea with which it is continuous

Medical Definition

sclera

noun
ˈskler-ə How to pronounce sclera (audio)
: the dense fibrous opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball except the part covered by the cornea

called also sclerotic, sclerotic coat

More from Merriam-Webster on sclera

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sclera

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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