ret·i·nal
ˈre-tə-ˌnal 
-ˌnȯl
-ˌnȯl
: a yellowish to orange aldehyde C20H28O derived from vitamin A that in combination with proteins forms the visual pigments of the retinal rods and cones
Examples of retinal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 25 May 2026
Researchers say it is increasingly linked to developing serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's and retinal damage.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 25 May 2026
A lot of Minority Report‘s speculations have come true—of course the Justice Department will supercharge profiling through an expensive and untested tech solution—but the detail that sticks with me most is the Gap store retinal-scanning Cruise and yelling past purchases back at him.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retinal
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Benefits of Celimax’s Retinal Booster There’s little not to love about Celimax’s retinal booster.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 25 May 2026
Researchers say it is increasingly linked to developing serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's and retinal damage.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Noun
That said, Murden is sure to use it on nights when skin feels hydrated—sandwiching the retinal in between a nourishing toner and occlusive face cream for good measure.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 25 May 2026
A lot of Minority Report‘s speculations have come true—of course the Justice Department will supercharge profiling through an expensive and untested tech solution—but the detail that sticks with me most is the Gap store retinal-scanning Cruise and yelling past purchases back at him.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retinal
Cite this Entry
“Retinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retinal. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
retinal
1 of 2 adjective
ret·i·nal
ˈret-ᵊn-əl, ˈret-nəl
: of, relating to, involving, or being a retina
a retinal examination
retinal rods
retinal
2 of 2 noun
ret·i·nal
ˈret-ᵊn-ˌal
-ˌȯl
-ˌȯl
: a yellowish to orange aldehyde C20H28O derived from vitamin A that in combination with proteins forms the visual pigments of the retinal rods and cones
called also retinene, retinene1, vitamin A aldehyde
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
