retina

noun

ret·​i·​na ˈre-tə-nə 

ˈret-nə

plural retinas also retinae ˈre-tə-ˌnē 

-ˌnī

: the sensory membrane that lines the eye, is composed of several layers including one containing the rods and cones, and functions as the immediate instrument of vision by receiving the image formed by the lens and converting it into chemical and nervous signals which reach the brain by way of the optic nerve see eye illustration

Examples of retina in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In early 2015, Armentrout was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024

Zinc for the retina An important part of the eye is the retina—and the trace element zinc is important for keeping it strong. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

According to a study, zinc can not only support the retina, but also help to reduce the risk of retinal problems in old age. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

Laser treatment may destroy surrounding healthy tissue, which often results in a small blind spot where the laser has scarred the retina. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rethina, from Medieval Latin retina, probably from Latin rete net

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

retina

noun

ret·​i·​na ˈret-ᵊn-ə 

ˈret-nə

plural retinas also retinae -ᵊn-ˌē 

-ˌī

: the light-sensitive inner layer lining the back of the eye that contains the rods and cones and converts the images formed by the lens into signals which reach the brain by way of the optic nerve

retinal

-ᵊn-əl

-nəl

adjective

Medical Definition

retina

1 of 2 noun

ret·​i·​na ˈret-ᵊn-ə, ˈret-nə 

plural retinas also retinae -ᵊn-ˌē 

: the sensory membrane that lines most of the large posterior chamber of the vertebrate eye, is composed of several layers including one containing the rods and cones, and functions as the immediate instrument of vision by receiving the image formed by the lens and converting it into chemical and nervous signals which reach the brain by way of the optic nerve

Retin-A

2 of 2 trademark

Ret·​in-A ˌret-ᵊn-ˈā 

—used for a preparation of tretinoin