retainer
1[ ri-tey-ner ]
/ rɪˈteɪ nər /
noun
a person or thing that retains.
a servant or attendant who has served a family for many years.
Also called cage, separator. Machinery. a ring separating, and moving with, balls or rollers in a bearing.
Orthodontics.
- a fixed or removable device worn in the mouth to hold the teeth in their new position during the adaptive period after straightening appliances have been removed.
- Prosthodontics. a part on a bridge or the like by which the bridge is attached to the natural teeth.
Words nearby retainer
OTHER WORDS FROM retainer
re·tain·er·ship, nounDefinition for retainer (2 of 2)
retainer2
[ ri-tey-ner ]
/ rɪˈteɪ nər /
noun
Origin of retainer
2Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for retainer
British Dictionary definitions for retainer
retainer
/ (rɪˈteɪnə) /
noun
history a supporter or dependant of a person of rank, esp a soldier
a servant, esp one who has been with a family for a long time
a clip, frame, or similar device that prevents a part of a machine, engine, etc, from moving
a dental appliance for holding a loose tooth or prosthetic device in position
a fee paid in advance to secure first option on the services of a barrister, jockey, etc
a reduced rent paid for a flat, room, etc, during absence to reserve it for future use
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
Medicine definitions for retainer
retainer
[ rĭ-tā′nər ]
n.
One that retains, as a device, frame, or groove that restrains or guides, especially for a prosthesis.
An appliance used to hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.