retinula

noun

re·​tin·​u·​la re-ˈtin-yə-lə How to pronounce retinula (audio)
plural retinulae re-ˈtin-yə-ˌlē How to pronounce retinula (audio)
-ˌlī
also retinulas
: the neural receptor of a single facet of an arthropod compound eye
retinular adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, diminutive of Medieval Latin retina

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retinula was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near retinula

Cite this Entry

“Retinula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retinula. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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