tear

A discontinuity in substance of a structure. Cf.:laceration.

- bucket-handle t. a t. and separation in the central part of a semilunar cartilage with the ends intact that produces a resemblance to the handle of a bucket.

- Mallory-Weiss t. SYN: Mallory-Weiss syndrome.

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tear 'ti(ə)r n

1 a) a drop of clear saline fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland and diffused between the eye and eyelids to moisten the parts and facilitate their motion

b) tears pl a secretion of profuse tears that overflow the eyelids and dampen the face

2) a transparent drop of fluid or hardened fluid matter (as resin)

tear vi to fill with tears: shed tears <my eyes sting and \tear>

tear 'ta(ə)r, 'te(ə)r vt, tore 'tō(ə)r, 'tȯ(ə)r; torn 'tō(ə)rn, 'tȯ(ə)rn; tear·ing to wound by or as if by pulling apart by force <\tear the skin>

tear n a wound made by tearing a bodily part <a muscle \tear>

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(tār) 1. to pull apart or in pieces by force. 2. to wound or injure, especially by ripping apart or rending; lacerate. 3. laceration.