protractor

[ proh-trak-ter, pruh- ]

noun

1. a person or thing that protracts.
2. (in surveying, mathematics, etc.) an instrument having a graduated arc for plotting or measuring angles.
3. Anatomy. a muscle that causes a part to protrude.

protractor

/ prəˈtræktə /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring or drawing angles on paper, usually a flat semicircular transparent plastic sheet graduated in degrees
2. a person or thing that protracts
3. a surgical instrument for removing a bullet from the body
4. anatomy a former term for extensor

Word History and Origins

Origin of protractor¹

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

Example Sentences

The head coach gets a warning, I mean that normally - I don’t know, I didn’t have a protractor out there.

From Washington Times

His fingers, unlike Baba’s, were clumsy around tools, especially ones as delicate as a protractor, compass, or ruler.

From Literature

I learned the ritual that very first summer with my firstborn, when the August air was still heavy but the Target was suddenly full of pens and protractors.

From Salon

But apologies, forgiveness, and reconciliation are not points on a protractor.

From Washington Post

No one to talk to other than “Would you pass me that charcoal pencil?” in art class or “Are you done with the protractor?” in math.

From Literature