retractor

[ ri-trak-ter ]
/ rɪˈtræk tər /

noun

a person or thing that retracts.
Anatomy. a muscle that retracts an organ or protruded part.
Surgery. an instrument or appliance for drawing back an impeding part, as the edge of an incision.
a mechanism, device, or the like that regulates retraction: to adjust the retractor on a seat belt.

Origin of retractor

First recorded in 1830–40; retract1 + -or2

Words nearby retractor

retract, retractile, retraction, retraction nystagmus, retractive, retractor, retrain, retrainee, retral, retread, retreat

Example sentences from the Web for retractor

British Dictionary definitions for retractor

retractor
/ (rɪˈtræktə) /

noun

anatomy any of various muscles that retract an organ or part
surgery an instrument for holding back the edges of a surgical incision or organ or part
a person or thing that retracts

Medical definitions for retractor

retractor
[ rĭ-trăk′tər ]

n.

A surgical instrument used to hold back organs or the edges of an incision.
A muscle, such as a flexor, that retracts an organ or a part.