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plural retinas also retinae
ˈre-tə-ˌnē
-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
The surgery, called a pars plana vitrectomy with air tamponade, is commonly performed to fix retina tears or detachments by replacing part of the vitreous fluid inside the eye with air, thereby allowing the eye to maintain its shape in your skull after a portion has been removed.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025
In the other form, abnormal blood vessels growing behind the retina damage the macula by leaking blood into it.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
In the front of the eye, a lens brings images into focus onto the retina.
—Perri Ormont Blumberg, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
The ophthalmologists concluded that retina imaging was a practical and implementable way to assess individuals' stroke risk, especially in places where health care resources were tight.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
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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
Articles Related to retina
Dictionary Entries Near retina
Cite this Entry
“Retina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retina. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
retina
noun
ret·i·na
ˈret-ᵊn-ə
ˈret-nə
plural retinas also retinae
-ᵊn-ˌē
-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
adjective
-ᵊn-əl
-nəl
Medical Definition
retina
1 of 2 noun
ret·i·na
ˈret-ᵊn-ə, ˈret-nə
plural retinas also retinae
-ᵊn-ˌē
: 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
—used for a preparation of tretinoin
More from Merriam-Webster on retina
Nglish: Translation of retina for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of retina for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retina
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