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

My symptoms matched all the descriptions for the rarer form of the disorder, called abductor spasmodic dysphonia.

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

Rojas is injured, having aggravated a left abductor muscle injury trying to make the play in question and sat out Game 4.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2024

Leo Chu suffered an abductor injury and needed to be subbed off for Paul Rothrock in the 20th minute, making it like a seventh change.

From Seattle Times • May 15, 2024

In the Lanzelet of Ulrich von Zatzikhoven the abductor is Faler�n.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various