Extraretinal

/ˌɛkstrəˈrɛtənəl/ adjective

Definition

Existing or occurring outside the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye).

Etymology

From Latin 'extra' (outside) + 'retinalis' (relating to the retina, from Medieval Latin 'retina'). The retina name itself comes from 'rete' meaning net, because of its network structure.

Kelly Says

When scientists study vision, they distinguish between what happens inside the retina versus extraretinal effects—like how your eye's movements or the muscles around it affect what you see, separate from the actual light-detecting cells.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.