retina

Where does the word "retina" come from? It comes from Latin rete, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1400s).

Retina’s story begins in Latin: rete meant “net.” Net, describing the web-like network of light-sensitive tissue. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as retina. Formed from rete (net) for the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It reached English by 1400s as retina. Medieval Latin 'net-like', from 'rete', net, for its network of blood vessels. Today, retina means the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient rete "net", net, describing the web-like network of light-sensitive tissue.
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval retina "the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye", formed from rete (net) for the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s retina "the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye", Medieval Latin 'net-like', from 'rete', net, for its network of blood vessels.