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 2019, Guthrie had to undergo eye surgery to re-attach her right retina after her son, then 3, accidentally hit her with a sharp toy train. —Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

When input from the retina was blocked to neurons in the LGN the prior research saw those LGN neurons fire bursts of activity to downstream neurons in the visual cortex. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2025

Beyond the Rainbow Our brains construct colors based on the activation of cells in our retinas that pick up blue, green and red light. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 18 Dec. 2025

Routhenstein noted that low levels may also worsen inflammation in autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, and can negatively affect eye health, since omega-3s play a key structural role in the retina. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025

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