lacrimas

Lacrimas is the Latin plural accusative form of lacrima, a feminine noun meaning "tear." In Latin grammar lacrima belongs to the first declension; its nominative plural is lacrimae and its accusative plural lacrimas. As such, lacrimas is used when tears are the direct object of a verb, for example in phrases like lacrimas effundere ("to shed tears").

In Latin literature, lacrimas occurs in poetry and prose to denote tears and expressions of emotion, or as a metaphor for sorrow or pity. The form appears in various contexts, reflecting the cultural prominence of tears as a symbol of human feeling.

Etymology and cognates: The word lacrima is the root for many Romance languages: Italian lacrima, Spanish lágrima, French larme. English uses related forms such as lacrimal or lachrymal (relating to tears), lachrymose (tearful), and lachrymal glands. The spread of these terms mirrors the long-standing cultural association between tears and human emotion.

Physiology: Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands (glandula lacrimalis) and drained by the lacrimal drainage system. They contain water, electrolytes, enzymes such as lysozyme, and lipids; functions include lubrication of the eye, protection from debris and pathogens, and antimicrobial activity.