noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

retina

REHT-ih-nuh

Retina (noun) means the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. Example: “A detached retina can cause sudden loss of vision.”

noun

The light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain.

"A detached retina can cause sudden loss of vision."

How to use retina

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe part inside your eye that actually detects light and turns it into what your brain sees.

Common pairings

detached retina retina scan

Word forms

retinas plural, retinae plural, retinæ plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A detached _____ can cause sudden loss of vision.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin rete, "net" — describing the net-like web of blood vessels at the back of the eye.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for retina

Ina mina gina Tina Dina nina fina Lina Zina Rina China Elina

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Frequently asked questions

What does “retina” mean?

The word “retina” means the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. In plain terms, the part inside your eye that actually detects light and turns it into what your brain sees.

How do you pronounce “retina”?

“Retina” is pronounced REHT-ih-nuh (/ˈɹɛt.ə.nə/ in IPA).

How do you use “retina” in a sentence?

Here is “retina” used in a sentence: “A detached retina can cause sudden loss of vision.”

What part of speech is “retina”?

“Retina” is a noun.

Where does the word “retina” come from?

The word “retina” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin rete, "net" — describing the net-like web of blood vessels at the back of the eye.

Is “retina” a common word?

“Retina” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.