Definitions for retinaculum

• Definition
• Anagrams (1198)

retinaculum ret·i·nac·u·lum

Spelling: [ret-n-ak-yuh-luh m]

IPA: /ˌrɛt nˈæk yə ləm/

Retinaculum is a 11 letter English word. It's valid Words with friends word worth 21 points.

You can make 1198 anagrams from letters in retinaculum (aceilmnrtuu).

Definitions for retinaculum

noun

1. Anatomy, Zoology. any of various small structures that hook, clasp, or bind other structures to move them or hold them in place.
2. 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-;

Examples for retinaculum

The retinaculum is not correctly represented in this figure, it arises from the anterior side of the sub-costal nervure.

In many of the Lepidoptera both frenulum and retinaculum are entirely wanting.

Most, however, have four, the leaf stomach or psalterium being intercalated between the retinaculum and the abomasum.

This process is termed the retinaculum, and serves, in conjunction with the frenulum, to lock the wings together during flight.