Retinal
/ˈrɛtɪnəl/noun
Relating to the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Did you know?Ancient anatomists named the retina from Latin rete, meaning “net,” because its branching blood vessels and delicate structure suggested a mesh.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ret-
“A reconstructed root associated with running or flowing; its connection with Latin rete is traditionally proposed but not certain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
rete
“A net or netlike structure.”
Late Latin
Latin
retina
“The retina; literally, a netlike structure.”
17th Century
Latin
retinalis
“Relating to the retina.”
19th Century
English
retinal
“Relating to the retina.”
Modern English
English
retinal
“Connected with the retina or its functions.”