adj. & n. (also lacrimal, lacrymal)
adj. 1 literary of or for tears. 2 (usu. as lacrimal) Anat. concerned in the secretion of tears (lacrimal canal; lacrimal duct).
n. 1 = lachrymal vase. 2 (in pl.) (usu. as lacrimals) the lacrimal organs. lachrymal vase hist. a phial holding the tears of mourners at a funeral.
[ ME f. med.L lachrymalis f. L lacrima tear ]