retinaculum

[ ret-n-ak-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural ret·i·nac·u·la [ret-n-, ak, -y, uh, -l, uh].

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.

retinaculum

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌretiˈnacular, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retinaculum¹

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-; gubernaculum ) + -culum -cule ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of retinaculum¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg