retina

[ ret-n-uh, ret-nuh ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural ret·i·nas, ret·i·nae [ret, -n-ee].

1. the innermost coat of the posterior part of the eyeball that receives the image produced by the lens, is continuous with the optic nerve, and consists of several layers, one of which contains the rods and cones that are sensitive to light.

Trademark, Computers.

1. Retina, a brand name used by Apple, Inc., to describe display screens having a resolution so high that it is difficult to see individual pixels with the human eye:

   a Retina display; Retina technology; Retina quality.

retina

/ ˈrɛtɪnə /

noun

1. the light-sensitive membrane forming the inner lining of the posterior wall of the eyeball, composed largely of a specialized terminal expansion of the optic nerve. Images focused here by the lens of the eye are transmitted to the brain as nerve impulses

retina

/ rĕt′n-ə /

, Plural retinas rĕt′n-ē′

1. The light-sensitive membrane that lines the inside of the back of the eyeball and connects to the brain by the optic nerve. The retina of vertebrate animals contains rods and cones, specialized cells that absorb light.

retina

1. The inner layer of the eye , sensitive to light , that is connected to the brain by the optic nerve . The retina lines the rear of the eye-ball. The lens of the eye focuses waves of light on the retina.

Derived Forms

• ˈretinal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retina¹

1350–1400; Middle English ret ( h ) ina < Medieval Latin rētina, perhaps equivalent to Latin rēt- (stem of rēte ) net + -ina -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of retina¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, perhaps from Latin rēte net

Example Sentences

Color occurs because our eyes are equipped with rods and cones — specialized light-absorbing cells in the retina at the back of the eye.

From Salon

Over time, however, this "garbage disposal" became overwhelmed by the protein aggregates, leading to cell death in the zebrafish retina.

From Science Daily

The light-sensing abilities of cells in the retina are different in skillset to white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infection.

From BBC

The 19-year-old had injured himself playing basketball and following surgery in the USA for a detached retina, he travelled to England for follow-up treatment and settled in Birmingham.

From BBC

She is having regular injections as a means of trying to keep fluid behind the retina under control and preserve her sight for as long as possible.

From BBC