Retinoblastoma
/ˌrɛtɪnoʊˌblæstəˈmoʊmə/noun
A malignant tumor arising from immature retinal cells, usually occurring in young children.
Did you know?The suffix “-blastoma” comes from Greek blastos, meaning “sprout” or “germ,” a metaphor for a tumor developing from immature, embryonic-like cells.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“To swell, blow, or expand; a proposed ancient root behind the “blast” family.”
Classical Latin
Latin
rēte
“A net; the source of the anatomical metaphor for the retina’s fine, netlike structure.”
Classical Latin
Latin
retina
“The netlike membrane at the back of the eye.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
blastos
“A sprout, bud, or germ; something beginning to grow.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-ōma
“A condition, mass, or tumor; a medical-forming suffix.”
19th–20th Century
Medical English
retinoblastoma
“A compound medical term for a tumor arising from immature cells of the retina.”