intima

noun

in·​ti·​ma ˈin-tə-mə How to pronounce intima (audio)
plural intimae ˈin-tə-ˌmē How to pronounce intima (audio) -ˌmī How to pronounce intima (audio) or intimas
: the innermost coat of an organ (such as a blood vessel) consisting usually of an endothelial layer backed by connective tissue and elastic tissue
intimal
ˈin-tə-məl How to pronounce intima (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of intimus

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intima was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

intil
intima
intimacy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intima.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intima. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

intima

noun
in·​ti·​ma ˈint-ə-mə How to pronounce intima (audio)
plural intimae -ˌmē How to pronounce intima (audio) -ˌmī How to pronounce intima (audio) or intimas
: the innermost coat of an organ (as a blood vessel) consisting usually of an endothelial layer backed by connective tissue and elastic tissue

called also tunica intima

intimal
-məl How to pronounce intima (audio)
adjective
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