retinaculum

American  

[ret-n-ak-yuh-luhm] / ˌrɛt nˈæk yə ləm /

noun

retinacula plural

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.

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retinaculum British  

/ ˌrɛtɪˈnækjʊləm /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• retinacular
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• retinacula
  plural

Etymology

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 -cule ²

Example Sentences

The flexor retinaculum is attached laterally to the trapezium and scaphoid bones, and medially to the hamate and pisiform bones.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The walls and floor of the carpal tunnel are formed by the U-shaped grouping of the carpal bones, and the roof is formed by the flexor retinaculum, a strong ligament that anteriorly unites the bones.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The carpal bones, together with the flexor retinaculum, also form the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

A strong ligament called the flexor retinaculum spans the top of this U-shaped area to maintain this grouping of the carpal bones.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Base of wings of Synemon, to show the bristle and retinaculum in the male. m.

From Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1. With an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored and Surveyed During The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, in the Years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. By Command of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Also a Narrative Of Captain Owen Stanley's Visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. by Stokes, John Lort