noun
cone
A retinal cell that detects color and fine detail.
A cone in the retina responds to light used in color vision.
Etymology
The Greek word names a cone-shaped object. The retinal cell takes that shape name from its tapered light-sensitive portion, distinguishing it from a rod.
More examples
- The diagram distinguishes cones from rods.
- Different cones respond to different wavelength ranges.
- The central retina contains many cones.
Forms
cone · cones