Phys. [L.; a. Gr. κανθός corner of the eye.] The outer or inner angle or corner of the eye, where the two lids meet. Hence, from combining form canth(o-, Canthectomy (Surg.), [Gr. ἐκτομή cutting out], ‘excision or incision of either canthus’ (Syd. Soc. Lex.). Canthitis, inflammation of the canthus. Canthoplastic, of or pertaining to Canthoplasty [Gr. -πλαστία molding], the operation of enlarging the palpebral aperture when too small. Canthorrhaphy [Gr. -ῥαφία stitching], the operation of sewing up the canthus.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 174. They open at the inward canthus or greater angle of the eye.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., That corner next the nose, is called the great, inner, and domestic canthus.
1799. J. Robertson, Agric. Perth, 316. By opening the vein below the canthus.
1874. Coues, Birds N.-W., 608. A conspicuous spot just at the anterior canthus of the eye.
1860. Mayne, Exp. Lex., Canthoplastic, belonging to the operation of canthoplasty.
