retinaculum

[ ret-n-ak-yuh-luhm ]

noun,plural ret·i·nac·u·la [ret-n-ak-yuh-luh]. /ˌrɛt nˈæk yə lə/.
  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

1
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

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British Dictionary definitions for retinaculum

retinaculum

/ (ˌrɛtɪˈnækjʊləm) /


nounplural -la (-lə)
  1. connection or retention or something that connects or retains

  2. zoology a small hook that joins the forewing and hind wing of a moth during flight

Origin of retinaculum

1
C18 (a surgical instrument used in castration): Latin, from rētinēre to hold back

Derived forms of retinaculum

  • retinacular, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012