retina

noun

ret·​i·​na ˈre-tə-nə How to pronounce retina (audio)
ˈret-nə
plural retinas also retinae ˈre-tə-ˌnē How to pronounce retina (audio)
-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
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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 See all Example Sentences for retina 

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

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 How to pronounce retina (audio)
ˈret-nə
plural retinas also retinae -ᵊn-ˌē How to pronounce retina (audio)
-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 How to pronounce retina (audio)
plural retinas also retinae -ᵊn-ˌē How to pronounce retina (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce Retin-A (audio)
used for a preparation of tretinoin

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