reticular

[ri-tik-yuh-ler]

adjective

1. having the form of a net; netlike.

2. intricate or entangled.

3. Anatomy.,  of or relating to a reticulum.

Other Word Forms

• reticularly adverb
• interreticular adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reticular¹

1590–1600; < New Latin rēticulāris, equivalent to Latin rēticul ( um ) reticle + -āris -ar ¹

Example Sentences

As adenosine accumulates throughout the day, it slows down excitatory networks such as the arousal-causing reticular activating system.

Read more on Scientific American

An X-ray of Mr McHugh's lungs taken six weeks after he left hospital showed thin white lines, known as reticular shadowing, that could indicate the early signs of scarring or pulmonary fibrosis.

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Also, brain scans show that practicing gratitude can rewire our reticular activating system.

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Drew, T. Functional organization within the medullary reticular formation of the intact unanesthetized cat.

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From there the neuron doctrine spread, replacing the prevailing reticular theory.

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Related Words

• complicated 
• mystifying www.thesaurus.com
• perplexing 
• puzzling 
• sticky 
• thorny 
• tricky