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 Zinc is essential for eye health and helps prevent damage to the retina. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 19 May 2024 This occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, is damaged. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retina 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retina.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 May. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on retina

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!