visual purple

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. rhodopsin.

---

visual purple British  

noun

1. another name for rhodopsin

---

Etymology

Origin of visual purple

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Stoeckenius also believes bacteriorhodopsin's chemical similarity to visual purple could help scientists better understand the basic processes of vision and could offer new insights into cell biology.

From Time Magazine Archive

A hitherto-undiscovered chemical in the visual purple of the rods is activated and stimulates the optic nerve in a way we had not guessed possible.

From They Twinkled Like Jewels by Farmer, Philip José

Is the visual purple more active in monocular than in binocular vision, or what physiological activity is thereby taxed in increased degree?

From Schweigger on Squint A Monograph by Dr. C. Schweigger by Schweigger, C.

In the outer part of the rods the visual purple or rhodopsin is found.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various