protractor

[ proh-trak-ter, pruh- ]

noun

1. a person or thing that protracts.
2. (in surveying, mathematics, etc.) an instrument having a graduated arc for plotting or measuring angles.
3. Anatomy. a muscle that causes a part to protrude.

protractor

/ prəˈtræktə /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring or drawing angles on paper, usually a flat semicircular transparent plastic sheet graduated in degrees
2. a person or thing that protracts
3. a surgical instrument for removing a bullet from the body
4. See extensor
   anatomy a former term for extensor

Word History and Origins

Origin of protractor¹

From Medieval Latin, dating back to 1605–15; protract, -tor

Example Sentences

It contains a front pocket with an organizer for pens, pencils, and protractors, and its main compartment can hold textbooks and binders.

From Popular-Science

Then, if we have a protractor, we may apply it to the lines and see how many degrees of angle they contain.

From Project Gutenberg

The student should have and use a protractor, such as is furnished with this book, for the numerous exercises which are to follow.

From Project Gutenberg

Rule another line along the same edge of the board as before and with a protractor measure the angle between these lines.

From Project Gutenberg

At that point find, by means of a protractor, the angle a projection of the chord makes with the face of the beam.

From Project Gutenberg

No witness could tell more truth than the compass and protractor of Mr. Smith which were free from prejudice and partiality.

From Project Gutenberg