retinaculum

American  

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

noun

plural

retinacula

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

• retinacular adjective

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 flexor retinaculum extends over the palmar surface of the hand while the extensor retinaculum extends over the dorsal surface of the hand.

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

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

Base of these wings in the male with a strong bristle passing behind a strong corneous retinaculum, which arises from the anterior side of the sub-costal nervure.

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