retinal

1 of 2

adjective

ret·i·nal ˈre-tə-nəl

ˈret-nəl

: of, relating to, involving, or being a retina

retinal

2 of 2

noun

ret·i·nal ˈre-tə-ˌnal -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

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Adjective

Shop more retinal treatments, including Medik8’s Jennifer Aniston-used Crystal Retinal 3 Serum and Murad’s Retinal Overnight Cream, which InStyle named the best Anti-Aging moisturizer. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 Mice predisposed to retinal disease were being guarded and watched, around the clock, like tiny celebrities. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Celimax cream is formulated with retinal, which, like tretinoin, is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates cell turnover. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for retinal

Word History

Etymology

Noun

retin- + -al entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective

1798, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of retinal was in 1798

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Retinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retinal. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Medical 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

: 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

retinal

adjective

noun

Examples of retinal in a Sentence

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retinal

adjective

noun

Examples of retinal in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing retinal

Rhymes for retinal

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

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