suspensory

American  

[suh-spen-suh-ree] / səˈspɛn sə ri /

noun

plural

suspensories

1. a supporting bandage, muscle, ligament, etc.

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adjective

1. serving as a suspensory.

2. suspending the operation of something.

suspensory British  

/ səˈspɛnsərɪ /

noun

1. Also called: suspensor.  anatomy a ligament or muscle that holds a structure or part in position

2. med a bandage, sling, etc, for supporting a dependent part

3. another name (esp US) for jockstrap

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adjective

1. suspending or supporting

2. anatomy (of a ligament or muscle) supporting or holding a structure or part in position

Etymology

Origin of suspensory

1535–45; < Latin suspēns ( us ) ( suspense ) + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

In the early 1970s, Gene Burkard, a gay former airman turned entrepreneur, slightly retooled a medical garment called a suspensory into a “jock sock.”

From New York Times

Some surgeons will also cut the suspensory ligament.

From New York Times

Sesamoid bones provide anchor points for the two branches of the suspensory ligament.

From Washington Times

She held that tense, almost fetal position for a suspensory moment—then broke down.

From Literature

The owner Rick Porter of Fox Hill Farm said that he made the decision after an examination showed an enlargement of both of the 4-year-old filly’s hind suspensory ligaments.

From New York Times