tapetum
/təˈpiːtəm/
noun
- A reflective layer of tissue in the eyes of many vertebrates (such as cats, dogs, and deer) that improves vision in dim light by reflecting light back through the retina.
- The tapetum is what makes a deer's eyes shine brightly when caught in a flashlight beam.
- Unlike humans, cats have a tapetum that helps them hunt at night.
- The tapetum lucidum is the scientific name for this reflective eye layer.