protractor

[ proh-trak-ter, pruh- ]

/ proʊˈtræk tər, prə- /

Save This Word!

noun

a person or thing that protracts.

(in surveying, mathematics, etc.) an instrument having a graduated arc for plotting or measuring angles.

Anatomy. a muscle that causes a part to protrude.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of protractor

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

Words nearby protractor

protozoophage, protract, protracted, protractile, protraction, protractor, protriptyline, protrude, protruded disk, protruding, protrusile

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use protractor in a sentence

It contains a front pocket with an organizer for pens, pencils, and protractors, and its main compartment can hold textbooks and binders.
Best backpacks for school: Make a splash|Eric Simmons|November 22, 2021|Popular-Science
Then, if we have a protractor, we may apply it to the lines and see how many degrees of angle they contain.
Mechanical Drawing Self-Taught|Joshua Rose
The student should have and use a protractor, such as is furnished with this book, for the numerous exercises which are to follow.
A Text-Book of Astronomy|George C. Comstock
Rule another line along the same edge of the board as before and with a protractor measure the angle between these lines.
A Text-Book of Astronomy|George C. Comstock

At that point find, by means of a protractor, the angle a projection of the chord makes with the face of the beam.
The Aeroplane Speaks|H. Barber
No witness could tell more truth than the compass and protractor of Mr. Smith which were free from prejudice and partiality.
Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution|L. Carroll Judson

British Dictionary definitions for protractor

protractor

/ (prəˈtræktə) /

noun

an instrument for measuring or drawing angles on paper, usually a flat semicircular transparent plastic sheet graduated in degrees

a person or thing that protracts

a surgical instrument for removing a bullet from the body

anatomy a former term for extensor

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for protractor

protractor

[ prō-trăk′tər ]

A muscle that extends a limb or other part.