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Glite Dictionary
retiform

retiform

9.9
A net-like pattern of thin lines often seen in tissues
  • adjective
  • /ˈrɛtɪˌfɔrm/
  • Specialized
: retiforme
  • Certain tumors display a retiform pattern when viewed under a microscope.

Examples

  • The scientist described the network of veins as having a retiform arrangement.

  • The pathologist noted a retiform structure in the tissue sample.

  • This is a retiform structure.

  • Look at that retiform shape!

  • The pathologist noted a retiform structure in the tissue sample.

  • Certain tumors display a retiform pattern when viewed under a microscope.

  • The scientist described the network of veins as having a retiform arrangement.

Synonyms

reticular
vsretiform
  • Specialized
1 8.4

Having a pattern of thin lines that cross like a net

is used mainly for biological tissues with a meshlike appearance
netted
vsretiform
1 4.4

Material with thin threads and many small holes

is more specific to describing mesh appearance in living tissues
reticulated
vsretiform
1 7.4

Something with a pattern of lines like a net

focuses on pattern shape while specifically applying to living tissues
meshy
vsretiform
1 6.2

Having many small holes or connected parts like a net

is used primarily to describe meshlike features in biological tissues

Surface Forms

retiform positive

Morphology

retiform = rete + form

The combining form 'rete-' (net) is obscure to average learners, but the productive suffix '-form' (shape/appearance) gives a partial clue to 'net-like'.

Etymology

The word retiform comes from the Latin rete meaning 'net' and the ending -form meaning 'shape'. So retiform means 'net-shaped', which is why doctors and scientists use it for tissue that looks like a fine mesh.