obturator

American  

[ahb-ter-ayt-er] / ˈɑb tərˌeɪt ər /

noun

plural

obturators

1. Anatomy. either of the muscles, external and internal, covering the opening (obturator foramen) in the pelvis, formed by the pubis and ischium.

2. any of various devices used in surgery and dentistry to close or fill openings in the body, especially a prosthetic device used to close a gap in the palate.

3. Ordnance. a device, such as a cap or pad, to seal the breech of a gun during firing so as to prevent gas from escaping.

4. Botany. a tissue growth that closes an opening, such as one found in the ovary of some plants near the micropyle of an ovule.

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Other Word Forms

• transobturator adjective

Example Sentences

The Lumbar plexus includes four nerves located in the upper and mid leg: The obturator, the femoral, muscular branches of the femoral, and the saphenous.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The lateral rotators of the femur at the hip are the piriformis, obturator internus, obturator externus, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, and quadratus femoris.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The large anterior opening is the obturator foramen.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The large opening in the anteroinferior hip bone between the ischium and pubis is the obturator foramen.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

It is liable to be mistaken, according to its situation, for a tumour, a cyst, a pouched vein, or a femoral or obturator hernia.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis