pleura

noun pleu·ra \ˈplu̇r-ə\

plural pleu·rae \ˈplu̇r-ˌē, -ˌī\ or pleuras

Definition of PLEURA

: the delicate serous membrane that lines each half of the thorax of mammals and is folded back over the surface of the lung of the same side

— pleu·ral \ˈplu̇r-əl\ adjective

See pleura defined for kids

Origin of PLEURA

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Greek, rib, side

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with PLEURA

durra, Jura, Kura, sura, surah

Medical Dictionary

pleura

noun pleu·ra \ˈplu̇r-ə\

plural pleu·rae \ˈplu̇r-ē\ or pleuras

Medical Definition of PLEURA

: either of a pair of two-walled sacs of serous membrane each of which lines one lateral half of the thorax, has an inner visceral layer closely adherent to the corresponding lung, is reflected at the root of the lung to form a parietal layer that adheres to the walls of the thorax, the pericardium, the upper surface of the diaphragm, and adjacent parts, and contains a small amount of serous fluid that minimizes the friction of respiratory movements