RETINACULUM

Etymology

Noun

retinaculum (plural retinacula)

(anatomy) A connecting band.

(anatomy) One of the annular ligaments which hold the tendons close to the bones at the larger joints, as at the wrist and ankle.

(zoology) One of the retractor muscles of the proboscis of certain worms.

(zoology) A loop on the underside of the forewing of some moths.

(botany) A small gland or process to which bodies are attached; as, the glandular retinacula to which the pollinia of orchids are attached, or the hooks which support the seeds in many acanthaceous plants.

Source: Wiktionary

Ret`i*nac"u*lum, n.; pl. Retinacula. Etym: [L., a holdfast, a band. See Retain.]

1. (Anat.) (a) A connecting band; a frænum; as, the retinacula of the ileocæcal and ileocolic valves. (b) One of the annular ligaments which hold the tendons close to the bones at the larger joints, as at the wrist and ankle.

2. (Zoöl)

Definition: One of the retractor muscles of the proboscis of certain worms.

3. (Bot.)

Definition: A small gland or process to which bodies are attached; as, the glandular retinacula to which the pollinia of orchids are attached, or the hooks which support the seeds in many acanthaceous plants.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition