rete noun. ['ri:ti] Pl. retia ['ri:tɪǝ, 'ri:ʃɪǝ]. LME.
[Latin = net.]
1. a. An openwork metal plate fixed to an astrolabe, serving to indicate the positions of the principal fixed stars. LME.
b. A graduated scale affixed to an astronomical telescope. M-L17.
2. Anatomy & Zoology. A network or plexus of vessels, fibres, or strands of tissue; spec. in full rete mirabile [mɪ'rɑ:bɪli], pl. rete mirabilia [mɪrǝ'bɪlɪǝ], [= wonderful] an elaborate network of fine blood-vessels, esp. diverging and converging arterioles, as that which controls the supply of gas to the swim bladder of many fishes. M16.
b. The lower layer of the epidermis, containing the pigment cells. Also more fully rete Malpighii [mal'pɪgɪʌɪ] [= of Malpighi: see MALPIGHIAN], rete mucosum [mjʊ'kǝʊsǝm] [= mucous]. L18.
c. In full rete testis [= of the testis]. A network of vessels by which sperm pass from the seminiferous tubules to the vasa efferentia. L18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲