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

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

First, surgeons sever the organ’s suspensory ligament, causing it to hang an inch or two lower, giving the impression of extra length.

From The Guardian