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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This helps assess the retina's thickness and detect signs of macular degeneration and new blood vessel growth. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025 In some cases, similar forces occur in the back of the eye, and hemorrhages in the retina can occur. Lori Frasier, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025 On the other hand, proper viewing glasses and other necessary safety precautions are important while observing a solar eclipse as the powerful rays of the sun can burn and damage your retinas. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 Then a solution containing the viral vector is injected under the retina so that the virus can get to work installing the new genetic code into the photoreceptor cells. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retina

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retina. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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

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