levator

[ li-vey-ter, -tawr ]

noun

, plural lev·a·to·res [lev-, uh, -, tawr, -eez, -, tohr, -].

1. Anatomy. a muscle that raises a part of the body. Compare depressor.
2. Surgery. an instrument used to raise a depressed part of the skull.

levator

/ lɪˈveɪtə; -tɔː /

noun

1. anatomy any of various muscles that raise a part of the body
2. surgery an instrument for elevating a part or structure

Word History and Origins

Origin of levator¹

1605–15; < New Latin, special use of Medieval Latin levātor one who raises (levies) recruits or taxes ( Latin: mitigator), equivalent to Latin levā ( re ) to raise + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of levator¹

C17: New Latin, from Latin levāre to raise

Example Sentences

In sewing up, it is important to reunite the cut edges of the levator ani, or pelvic weakness will result.

From Project Gutenberg

Grafting of part of the superior rectus muscle into the lid to take the place of the levator palpebr superioris.

From Project Gutenberg

The needle is then again carried through the levator palpebr, palpebral ligament, and orbicularis in the upper part of the wound.

From Project Gutenberg

In the upper lid care should be taken not to divide the levator palpebr muscle; the incision should be placed well to one side.

From Project Gutenberg

The levator palpebrae superioris is the highest, and passes forward to the superior tarsal plate and fornix of the conjunctiva.

From Project Gutenberg