abductor

¹ American  

[ab-duhk-ter] / æbˈdʌk tər /

noun

1. a person who abducts.

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abductor ² American  

[ab-duhk-ter] / æbˈdʌk tər /

noun

1. any muscle that abducts (opposed to adductor).

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abductor Scientific  

/ ăb-dŭk′tər /

1. A muscle that draws a limb or part of a limb away from the midline of the body.

2. Compare adductor

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Etymology

Origin of abductor¹

First recorded in 1840–50; abduct + -or ²

Origin of abductor²

From New Latin, dating back to 1605–15; see origin at abduce, -tor

Example Sentences

The trouble with this was that the abductor muscles are the ones that open the trachea, allowing airflow to the lungs.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

The Guthrie family has publicly pleaded with the alleged abductor to return their mother, and has offered money as they seek proof of life and any information about her whereabouts.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Officials have not theorized about why she may have been snatched, but Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos appealed Monday to any potential abductor.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

The game was the first for Young this season after he had returned from surgery on his abductor.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 12, 2023

Van Dusen had already prepared reward notices, offering five thousand dollars for the safe return of Ethel Marion, and one thousand dollars for the capture of her abductor.

From When the Cock Crows by Baily, Waldron