protractor

[ proh-trak-ter, pruh- ]
/ proʊˈtræk tər, prə- /

noun

a person or thing that protracts.
(in surveying, mathematics, etc.) an instrument having a graduated arc for plotting or measuring angles.
Anatomy. a muscle that causes a part to protrude.

Origin of protractor

From Medieval Latin, dating back to 1605–15; see origin at protract, -tor

Example sentences from the Web for protractor

British Dictionary definitions for protractor

protractor
/ (prəˈtræktə) /

noun

an instrument for measuring or drawing angles on paper, usually a flat semicircular transparent plastic sheet graduated in degrees
a person or thing that protracts
a surgical instrument for removing a bullet from the body
anatomy a former term for extensor

Medical definitions for protractor

protractor
[ prō-trăktər ]

n.

A muscle that extends a limb or other part.