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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
Researchers say that happens when bright light enters the inner surface of the retina where neurons called retinal ganglion cells are located.
—Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
These carotenoids specifically accumulate in a part of the retina called the macula.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Today, psychologists know that this phenomenon occurs because the color-sensing cells, or cones, in humans’ retinas decrease in sensitivity to a certain color after looking at an object of that hue for an extended period of time.
—Vanessa Armstrong, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024
There have been other attempts to restore vision by electrically stimulating the retina.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 25 Oct. 2024
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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
Time Traveler
The first known use of retina was
in the 14th century
Articles Related to retina
Dictionary Entries Near retina
Cite this Entry
“Retina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retina. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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
adjective
-ᵊn-əl
-nəl
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
More from Merriam-Webster on retina
Nglish: Translation of retina for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of retina for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retina
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