retina

noun ret·i·na \ˈre-tə-nə, ˈret-nə\

: the sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that receives images and sends signals to the brain about what is seen

plural retinas or ret·i·nae \-ˌnē, -ˌnī\

Full Definition of RETINA

: 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

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Origin of RETINA

Middle English rethina, from Medieval Latin retina, probably from Latin rete net

First Known Use: 14th century

RETINAS Defined for Kids

retina

noun ret·i·na \ˈre-tə-nə\

plural retinas also ret·i·nae \-ˌnē\

Definition of RETINA for Kids

: the membrane that lines the back part of the eyeball, contains the rods and cones, and converts the images received by the lens into signals that are transmitted to the brain

Medical Dictionary

retina

noun ret·i·na \ˈret-^ən-ə, ˈret-nə\

plural retinas also ret·i·nae \-^ən-ˌē\

Medical Definition of RETINA

: 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