retractor

[ri-trak-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that retracts. retract.

2. Anatomy.,  a muscle that retracts retract an organ or protruded part.

3. Surgery.,  an instrument or appliance for drawing back an impeding part, as the edge of an incision.

4. a mechanism, device, or the like that regulates retraction.

   to adjust the retractor on a seat belt.

retractor

/ rɪˈtræktə /

noun

1. anatomy any of various muscles that retract an organ or part

2. surgery an instrument for holding back the edges of a surgical incision or organ or part

3. a person or thing that retracts

Word History and Origins

Origin of retractor¹

First recorded in 1830–40; retract ¹ + -or ²

Example Sentences

“Our butter knife was a brain retractor,” he says with a playful smile.

From Los Angeles Times

She says a concerning inaccuracy in the video is that the retractor is based on images from after the disaster rather than before.

From BBC

Clip: Okay I need a saw and a retractor.

From Scientific American

The Alexis wound retractor is a large object made of transparent plastic fixed on two rings.

From BBC

They scrape off letters and use temporary paper tags and even retractor mechanisms.

From Seattle Times