retinaculum
[ ret-n-ak-yuh-luh m ]
/ ˌrɛt nˈæk yə ləm /
noun, plural ret·i·nac·u·la [ret-n-ak-yuh-luh] /ˌrɛt nˈæk yə lə/.
Anatomy, Zoology.
any of various small structures that hook, clasp, or bind other structures to move them or hold them in place.
Entomology.
a bristle on the butterfly forewing that clasps to the frenulum of the hindwing.
Origin of retinaculum
1815–25; < New Latin; Latin
retināculum tether, rope which holds fast or restrains, equivalent to
retin(ēre) to hold fast,
retain +
-ā- (from v. stems ending in
-ā-; cf.
gubernaculum) +
-culum
-cule2
Words nearby retinaculum
Example sentences from the Web for retinaculum
This process is termed the retinaculum, and serves, in conjunction with the frenulum, to lock the wings together during flight.
New Zealand Moths and Butterflies |G. V. HudsonIn many of the Lepidoptera both frenulum and retinaculum are entirely wanting.
New Zealand Moths and Butterflies |G. V. HudsonMost, however, have four, the leaf stomach or psalterium being intercalated between the retinaculum and the abomasum.
The Anatomy of the Human Peritoneum and Abdominal Cavity |George. S. HuntingtonThe retinaculum is not correctly represented in this figure, it arises from the anterior side of the sub-costal nervure.
Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1. |J Lort Stokes
British Dictionary definitions for retinaculum
retinaculum
/ (ˌrɛtɪˈnækjʊləm) /
noun plural -la (-lə)
connection or retention or something that connects or retains
zoology
a small hook that joins the forewing and hind wing of a moth during flight
Derived forms of retinaculum
retinacular, adjectiveWord Origin for retinaculum
C18 (a surgical instrument used in castration): Latin, from
rētinēre to hold back
Medical definitions for retinaculum
retinaculum
[ rĕt′n-ăk′yə-ləm ]
n. pl. ret•i•nac•u•la (-lə)
A band or bandlike structure that holds an organ or a part in place.