Retinopathy
/ˌrɛtɪˈnɒpəθi/noun
A disease or disorder affecting the retina, especially damage caused by conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Did you know?The word retina comes from Latin rete, meaning “net,” because early anatomists thought its delicate branching structure resembled woven mesh.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ret-
“To run or flow; a proposed ancient root associated with weaving or net-like structures”
Classical Latin
Latin
rēte
“A net or network”
17th Century
New Latin
retina
“The net-like membrane at the back of the eye”
Ancient Greek
Greek
pathos
“Suffering, experience, or condition”
19th Century
Medical English
-pathy
“A disease or disorder, from Greek pathos”
19th Century
English
retinopathy
“Disease or disorder of the retina”