tongue depressor

noun

a broad, thin piece of wood used by doctors to hold down the patient's tongue during an examination of the mouth and throat.

Origin of tongue depressor

First recorded in 1870–75

Also called tongue blade.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

tongue depressor in Medicine

tongue depressor

n.

A thin blade for pressing down the tongue during a medical examination of the mouth and throat; a spatula.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.