-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
visual purple
noun
: a photosensitive red or purple pigment in the retinal rods of various vertebrates
especially
: rhodopsin
Word History
First Known Use
1878, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near visual purple
Cite this Entry
“Visual purple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visual%20purple. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
visual purple
noun
: a red or purple pigment in the retina of various vertebrates including human beings that is sensitive to dim light and functions in night vision
Medical Definition
visual purple
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on visual purple
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about visual purple
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share