levator

American  

[li-vey-ter, -tawr] / lɪˈveɪ tər, -tɔr /

noun

plural

levatores

1. Anatomy. a muscle that raises a part of the body.

2. Surgery. an instrument used to raise a depressed part of the skull.

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levator British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of levator

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

Example Sentences

That disgusted snarl is controlled by a muscle called the levator labii superioris – the movement of which is seen as the unique facial expression for disgust.

From The Guardian • Nov. 19, 2019

Another 41 percent suffered tears to their levator ani muscle, which forms the majority of the pelvic floor and is situated on either side of the pelvis.

From US News • Aug. 4, 2016

The levator muscles in the back of her eyes that extend up to the upper eyelid were not contracting, thereby not pulling up her eyelids, Severinac said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 25, 2014

The levator ani is considered the most important muscle of the pelvic floor because it supports the pelvic viscera.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

His nose wrinkled, as he flexed his levator labii superioris alaeque nasi.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell