extensor

American  

[ik-sten-ser, -sawr] / ɪkˈstɛn sər, -sɔr /

noun

Anatomy.

1. a muscle that serves to extend or straighten a part of the body.

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extensor British  

/ ɪkˈstɛnsə, -sɔː /

noun

1. any muscle that stretches or extends an arm, leg, or other bodily part Compare flexor

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extensor Scientific  

/ ĭk-stĕn′sər /

1. A muscle that extends or straightens a limb or joint.

2. Compare flexor

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Etymology

Origin of extensor

1700–10; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin extend ( ere ) to extend + -tor -tor, with -dt- > -s-

Compare meaning

How does extensor compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• flexor vs. extensor

Example Sentences

Hernández repaired a torn extensor tender in his left elbow after the season, which will cause him to miss next month’s World Baseball Classic and the start of the 2026 season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

The same approach makes it possible to control different finger movements that are selected with the simultaneous activation of both flexor and extensor muscle groups.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2023

He left with what the Red Sox said was right forearm extensor tightness.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 8, 2022

Clarke Schmidt had been in the mix but has been shut down for three to four weeks due to a strained common extensor tendon near his elbow in his right arm.

From Washington Times • Feb. 22, 2021

A. Long abductor of the thumb, and short extensor of the thumb.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard