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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
With one swing, the suspect fractured his nose, tore his iris, and left a hole in his retina.
—Rebecca Pryor, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Inspired by the way the human retina works, these devices don’t capture a series of images, but instead track changes in brightness across the sensor’s individual pixels.
—IEEE Spectrum, 20 Nov. 2024
To prove it, Jeff brings out an exact copy of the immunity necklace, the one that a member of Hordak’s Horde seemingly assembled in an assault on all retinas everywhere.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
This supports the retina's ability to translate light rays into vision and keeps eyes moist enough to prevent dry eyes.10
8.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 11 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 5 Dec. 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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