lacrime

Lacrime is the Italian plural noun for tears, the salty, watery secretions produced by the lacrimal apparatus to protect and lubricate the eye. The term derives from Latin lacrima, itself from Greek dakryon, and cognate terms appear in many Romance languages.

Tear production and composition: Tears are generated mainly by the lacrimal glands and spread across the ocular surface with blinking to form the tear film. The film has three layers: a superficial lipid layer that reduces evaporation, an aqueous layer that provides moisture and nutrients, and a mucinous layer that helps the film adhere to the eye. Normal tears contain water, electrolytes, enzymes such as lysozyme and lactoferrin, lipids, and various proteins. They drain through tiny puncta into the nasolacrimal duct, passing into the nasal cavity.

Types of tears: Humans produce basal tears for ongoing lubrication, reflex tears in response to irritants or bright light, and emotional tears associated with crying. Different tear types have distinct triggers and, to some extent, different compositions and volumes.

Clinical aspects: Disturbances in tear production or drainage can cause dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), excessive tearing (epiphora), or recurrent eye infections. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction can lead to chronic watery eyes. Management ranges from artificial tears and lifestyle adjustments to medications or surgical procedures in more severe cases.

Cultural and linguistic notes: Tears play a prominent role in literature and art as symbols of sorrow or emotional expression. In Latin literature, lacrimae rerum is a well-known phrase often translated as “tears of things,” used to express universal lament. In Italian, lacrime is commonly used in poetry and music to evoke emotion.