An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The multi-layered, light-sensitive membrane lining the inside of the posterior wall
of the eyeball. It contains the rods and cones that receive an image from the lens and send it to the brain through the optic nerve.

Etymology (EN): M.L. retina, from L. rete “net,” Gerard of Cremona’s 12c. translation of Arabic (tabaqa) shabakiyya “net-like (layer),” itself a translation of Gk. amphiblestron used by the famous Greek physician, surgeon,
and philosopher Galen (AD c129-c216). This term had two meanings, “a surrounding coat” (of the vitreous) and “a fisherman’s net.” Galen used the word in the first sense, but when it was translated into Ar. the translator inappropriately chose the second meaning.

Etymology (PE): Šabakiyé, from Ar. šabakiya, from šabaka, šabakat
“a net.”