1. a reflective layer of tissue behind the retina in the eyes of many nocturnal animals that enhances night vision
Usage: anatomy; biology
2. a layer of nutritive cells in plant anthers that nourishes developing pollen
Usage: botany

Examples

• The cat’s tapetum lucidum causes its eyes to glow in the dark.
• Many nocturnal predators have a well-developed tapetum for better night hunting.
• The tapetum reflects light back through the retina, giving animals a second chance to detect photons.
• In flowering plants, the tapetum provides essential nutrients to maturing pollen grains.
• The tapetum degenerates as pollen development completes.
• Researchers studied the tapetum’s role in pollen wall formation.