depressor

[ dih-pres-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that depresses.
2. Surgery. an instrument for pressing down a protruding part, as a tongue depressor.
3. Anatomy.
   1. a muscle that draws down a part of the body, as the corner of the mouth. Compare levator.
   2. Also called depressor nerve. a nerve that, when stimulated, induces a decrease in activity, as a slowed heartbeat.

depressor

/ dɪˈprɛsə /

noun

1. a person or thing that depresses
2. any muscle that draws down a part
3. med an instrument used to press down or aside an organ or part

   a tongue depressor

4. Also calleddepressor nerve any nerve that when stimulated produces a fall in blood pressure by dilating the arteries or lowering the heartbeat

Word History and Origins

Origin of depressor¹

1605–15; < Late Latin, derivative of Latin dēprimere ( depress, -tor )

Example Sentences

In the basi-carinal corner of the valve there are often crests for the attachment of the tergal depressor muscle.

From Project Gutenberg

Cirripedia without a peduncle; scuta and terga furnished with depressor muscles; other valves united immoveably together.

From Project Gutenberg

The cavity for the lateral depressor muscle is generally very slight; but in the two vars.

From Project Gutenberg

The depressor muscle is attached in the middle, at the lower, open end of this cavity.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a short adductor ridge, and a deep narrow pit or cleft for the lateral-depressor muscle.

From Project Gutenberg