(tēr )

[Old English tēar ]
A watery substance secreted by the lacrimal glands containing aqueous components as well as secretions of the meibomian glands. The function of tears is to lubricate the surface of the eye.
SEE: Schirmer test

artificial tears

A solution used to lubricate the conjunctivae.

crocodile tears

Tears and excessive saliva produced during eating. This condition is present when nerve fibers of the salivary glands grow abnormally into the lacrimal glands following Bell palsy.