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
It is also found in the retina (light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) and plays a role in normal vision.4
Production
Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes.
—
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
Molecular changes in the retina affect processes like circadian rhythms — responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle — and vision, which Koronyo-Hamaoui believes could potentially mirror damage in the brain.
—Rohan Rajeev, STAT, 31 July 2024
Neovascularization can block blood flow to the retina.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 July 2024
The basic premise was straightforward: finding a plastic or similar substance that could direct light on the retina in the same way as a cornea.
—Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for retina 
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
Molecular changes in the retina affect processes like circadian rhythms — responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle — and vision, which Koronyo-Hamaoui believes could potentially mirror damage in the brain.
—Rohan Rajeev, STAT, 31 July 2024
Neovascularization can block blood flow to the retina.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 July 2024
The basic premise was straightforward: finding a plastic or similar substance that could direct light on the retina in the same way as a cornea.
—Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 16 July 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Retina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retina. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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