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

Hunter only appeared in two games after being acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers before undergoing surgery to repair the retina in his left eye. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026

The device itself is an orange-sized sensor comprising two main components that function much like the lens and retina of the eyes. —Etiido Uko march 14, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2026

One of the main causes of floaters is posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD, which occurs when the shrinking vitreous gel pulls away from the retina entirely. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Viewing the comet itself poses no danger, but potential danger lies in staring at the sun, whose infrared rays can burn the retina of the eye and cause irreparable damage, all without causing any pain. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Mar. 2026

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