extensor

[ik-sten-ser, -sawr]

noun

Anatomy.

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

extensor

/ ɪkˈstɛnsə, -sɔː /

noun

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

extensor

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

2. Compare flexor

Word History and Origins

Origin of extensor¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of extensor¹

C18: from New Latin, from Latin extensus stretched out

Example Sentences

If the wrist extensor muscles are contracted, the fingers re-open and the hand releases the pen.

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Of particular interest is the relationship between the extensors and the hamstrings, the two most important muscle groups in the knee.

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

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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.

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Crick underwent a procedure Tuesday to repair the extensor tendon, performed by Dr. Scott Hanson in San Francisco.

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