tapetum lucidum

noun

tapetum lu·​ci·​dum -ˈlü-si-dəm How to pronounce tapetum lucidum (audio)
: a layer in the choroid chiefly of nocturnal mammals that reflects light causing the eyes to glow when light strikes them at night and that is made up of several layers of flattened cells covered by a zone of doubly refracting crystals

Dictionary Entries Near tapetum lucidum

Cite this Entry

“Tapetum lucidum.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/tapetum%20lucidum. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!