suspensory

[ suh-spen-suh-ree ]

noun

, plural sus·pen·so·ries.

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

adjective

1. serving as a suspensory.
2. suspending the operation of something.

suspensory

/ səˈspɛnsərɪ /

noun

1. Also calledsuspensor 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

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of suspensory¹

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

Example Sentences

And finally, contraction of the suspensory ligament is of rare occurrence.

From Project Gutenberg

The tearing of the suspensory ligament on the inner side may be assisted by the cutting edge of the needle during depression.

From Project Gutenberg

Small suspensory paint pot, used in the decoration of the paraphernalia of the God of War—A-hai-i-ta—in times of peace.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the suspensory clause which enabled Henry to coerce the Pope, and he was not slow to take advantage of it.

From Project Gutenberg

An Example of a "Suspensory Bill" would be a small account from your haberdasher's for a pair of braces.

From Project Gutenberg