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

Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum has a lightweight, custardy gel texture that sinks in fast and leaves undereyes looking brighter and less puffy by morning, thanks to the dream duo that is retinal and ginseng. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 29 Nov. 2025

Dancing was her true joy, and diabetic retinal disease stole that joy from her. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 26 Nov. 2025

Noun

This particular formula is touted to be two and a half times more effective than free retinal, which means tighter, more toned-looking skin is well within reach in less time. —Jennifer Chan, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

My dark circles are reduced, and the retinal has also significantly reduced the appearance of large pores. —Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 20 Nov. 2025

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