Lacrimation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌlækrɪˈmeɪʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The process of producing tears, typically in response to emotional stimuli, eye irritation, or physical stimuli, resulting in the shedding of tears from the eyes.

Examples

• The movie was so sad that it brought about lacrimation in many of the viewers.
• The dust in the air caused lacrimation and discomfort in her eyes.

Synonyms

• Tearing
• Crying

Antonyms

• Suppression
• Composure

Additional Information

Lacrimation is a natural bodily function that helps to lubricate and protect the eyes. There are different types of lacrimation, including basal, reflex, and emotional. Basal lacrimation occurs continuously to keep the eyes moist, while reflex lacrimation is a response to irritation or other stimuli. Emotional lacrimation, on the other hand, is often associated with feelings of sadness, joy, or other strong emotions.

Research has shown that lacrimation can have a range of benefits, including reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Additionally, tears contain enzymes that can help to fight off infections and other foreign substances in the eyes.

While lacrimation is a normal and healthy function, excessive or persistent tearing can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you experience unusual or severe lacrimation, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Etymology

The word “lacrimation” comes from the Latin word “lacrima,” meaning “tear,” and the suffix “-ation,” which indicates a process or action.

Usage Notes

Lacrimation is often used in medical and scientific contexts to describe the process of tear production. However, it can also be used in more general contexts to describe the act of crying or shedding tears.

Cultural References

Lacrimation has been referenced in various forms of art and literature throughout history. For example, the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice features a scene in which Orpheus’s tears of grief bring about the return of his beloved wife.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Crocodile tears” refers to fake or insincere tears.
• “Tears of joy” refers to tears shed in response to happy or celebratory occasions.

Related Words or Phrases

• “Tear duct” refers to the gland that produces tears.
• “Eye drops” refers to liquid medication used to treat eye dryness or irritation.

Collocations

• “Excessive lacrimation” refers to an abnormal or excessive amount of tear production.
• “Lacrimation response” refers to the body’s natural response to stimuli that triggers tear production.

Frequency of Use

Lacrimation is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is often used in medical and scientific contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “lacrimation” appears in approximately 0.05% of written texts.

Common Misspellings

• “Lacrimation”
• “Lacrimationation”