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

The astronaut’s retinal thickening decreased after treatment. —Neil Savage, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025

The children were all born with a form of severe retinal dystrophy called LCA4, leaving them with only a limited ability to perceive light. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025

Noun

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

Follow it up with a moisturizer or night cream to hydrate the skin and lock in the retinal. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2023

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