reticulum

American  

[ri-tik-yuh-luhm] / rɪˈtɪk yə ləm /

noun

plural

reticula,

genitive

Reticuli

1. a network; any reticulated system or structure.

2. Anatomy.

   1. a network of intercellular fibers in certain tissues.

   2. a network of structures in the endoplasm or nucleus of certain cells.

3. Zoology. the second stomach of ruminating animals, between the rumen and the omasum.

4. (initial capital letter) the Net, a southern constellation between Dorado and Hydrus.

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reticulum ¹ British  

/ rɪˈtɪkjʊləm /

noun

1. any fine network, esp one in the body composed of cells, fibres, etc

2. the second compartment of the stomach of ruminants, situated between the rumen and psalterium

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Reticulum ² British  

/ rɪˈtɪkjʊləm /

noun

1. a small constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Dorado and Hydrus

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reticulum Scientific  

/ rĭ-tĭk′yə-ləm /

plural

reticula

1. The second division of the stomach in ruminant animals, which together with the rumen contains microorganisms that digest fiber. The reticulum's contents are regurgitated for further chewing as part of the cud.

2. See more at ruminant

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Etymology

Origin of reticulum

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin rēticulum “little net”; see reticle

Explanation

A reticulum is a natural structure that resembles a net or web, like the veins in a leaf or the network of fibers in a cell. You can use reticulum for anything in nature with a structure that looks like a net. In fact, the Latin meaning of the word is "a little net." Reticulum has been adopted for many scientific uses, including the name of a net-like constellation. A cow or other ruminant's second (of four) stomachs is also called a reticulum, from the honeycomb shape of its lining.

Example Sentences

Their research shows that cells actively reshape the endoplasmic reticulum, or ER, one of the largest and most complex structures inside the cell.

From Science Daily • Feb. 3, 2026

One, called LCA, damaged T cell function by causing endoplasmic reticulum stress, while another, UDCA, boosted T cell performance and drew more immune cells to the liver.

From Science Daily • Oct. 17, 2025

"However, our research highlights a novel function of the HLA molecule within skin cells. We revealed that a specific HLA genotype in keratinocytes can recognize certain drugs as foreign, triggering an endoplasmic reticulum stress response."

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

Their examination revealed that the CARS-deficient yeast mutant suffered from abnormal mitochondrial energy metabolism, as well as an increased stress response throughout the endoplasmic reticulum.

From Science Daily • Jan. 16, 2024

It is even held that these fibres penetrate the cell walls and connect adjoining cells, so that the entire body is a reticulum.

From A History of Science, Volume 5(of 5) Aspects Of Recent Science by Williams, Henry Smith

Related Words

• network
• screen