Definition

Noun: A meibomian cyst is a small, benign lump or swelling on the eyelid. It forms when the duct of a Meibomian gland (an oil gland located along the edge of the eyelid) becomes blocked, causing a buildup of its oily secretion.

Usage

This term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific type of eyelid cyst. * The ophthalmologist diagnosed the bump as a meibomian cyst. * A blocked oil gland can lead to the development of a meibomian cyst.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is medically synonymous with a chalazion. In common usage, "meibomian cyst" and "chalazion" are often used interchangeably, though a chalazion is a chronic, non-infectious inflammation resulting from the blocked gland.
• It is distinguished from a stye (or hordeolum), which is typically an acute, painful, and infectious inflammation of an eyelash follicle or gland.

Variants and Related Words

• Chalazion (n): The most common medical term for a chronic meibomian cyst.
• Meibomian gland (n): The specialized sebaceous gland in the eyelid whose blockage causes the cyst.
• Eyelid cyst (n): A more general term that can include a meibomian cyst.

Synonyms

• Chalazion
• (Eyelid) granuloma (in a specific medical context)

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Hordeolum (Stye): A painful, red bump near the edge of the eyelid, usually caused by a bacterial infection.
• Blepharitis: A general inflammation of the eyelid margins, which can involve the Meibomian glands but presents as diffuse redness and irritation rather than a distinct cyst.

Noun

1. a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid resulting when a Meibomian gland is blocked