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

Each night, Portia settles upside down beneath its silk abode, alternating prolonged stillness with brief episodes of retinal movements, twitching, and occasional leg curling. — New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026

This is because retinol must convert twice inside the skin to reach its active form, retinoic acid, while retinal only needs one conversion. — Rosa Jisoo Pyo, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

Noun

This retinal is formulated to absorb optimally, with spicules creating easier pathways. — Rosa Jisoo Pyo, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

The formula also includes niacinamide that helps increase brightness and target dark spots caused by the sun or aging, and there’s centella asiacta which soothes, preventing irritation from the retinal’s potency. — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2026

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