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

After writing what he knew was the wrong answer to the first geometry problem, Neel put his pencil and protractor down and rested his head on his arms.

From Literature

Then he pulled out the protractor, ruler, and compass.

From Literature

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

From Washington Post