Also means
cone (pine cone); plug; tap
Usage Note
Zapfen in sensory anatomy refers to the cone photoreceptors in the retina responsible for colour vision in bright light, as opposed to Stäbchen (rods). In everyday speech it more commonly means a pine cone or a faucet plug.
Examples
"Die Zapfen in der Netzhaut sind für das Farbsehen verantwortlich."
Natural Translation
The cone cells in the retina are responsible for colour vision.
Literal Translation
The cones in the retina are for the colour-seeing responsible.
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