retinal

1 of 2

adjective

ret·​i·​nal ˈre-tə-nəl 

ˈret-nəl

: of, relating to, involving, or being a retina

retinal

2 of 2

noun

ret·​i·​nal ˈre-tə-ˌnal 

-ˌnȯl

: a yellowish to orange aldehyde C₂₀H₂₈O derived from vitamin A that in combination with proteins forms the visual pigments of the retinal rods and cones

Examples of retinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Joe pulls his dusty Subaru wagon up to his secret bionic scrap-part silo and uses a retinal scanner to gain access. —Stacia Brown, Vulture, 26 June 2025

Cocker spaniels are also particularly susceptible to health issues such as progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, adult-onset neuropathy, skin infections, and familial nephropathy, among others. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

Noun

Serum smooths the appearence of fine lines using hard-working retinal. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 17 May 2025

Both experts agree that retinoids — such as retinol or the more potent retinal — may make the surface of the skin appear smoother over time as they are known to stimulate collagen production in the top layers. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

retin- + -al entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective

1798, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing retinal

• retinal detachment

Rhymes for retinal

• subretinal

Medical Definition

retinal

1 of 2 adjective

ret·​i·​nal ˈret-ᵊn-əl, ˈret-nəl 

: of, relating to, involving, or being a retina

a retinal examination

retinal rods

retinal

2 of 2 noun

ret·​i·​nal ˈret-ᵊn-ˌal  -ˌȯl 

: a yellowish to orange aldehyde C₂₀H₂₈O derived from vitamin A that in combination with proteins forms the visual pigments of the retinal rods and cones

called also retinene, retinene₁, vitamin A aldehyde