retractor

[ ri-trak-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that retracts. retract.
2. Anatomy. a muscle that retracts retract an organ or protruded part.
3. Surgery. an instrument or appliance for drawing back an impeding part, as the edge of an incision.
4. a mechanism, device, or the like that regulates retraction:

   to adjust the retractor on a seat belt.

retractor

/ rɪˈtræktə /

noun

1. anatomy any of various muscles that retract an organ or part
2. surgery an instrument for holding back the edges of a surgical incision or organ or part
3. a person or thing that retracts

Word History and Origins

Origin of retractor¹

First recorded in 1830–40; retract ¹ + -or ²

Example Sentences

Clip: Okay I need a saw and a retractor.

From Scientific American

The Alexis wound retractor is a large object made of transparent plastic fixed on two rings.

From BBC

They scrape off letters and use temporary paper tags and even retractor mechanisms.

From Seattle Times

It was the juxtaposition between my previous rotation, which was vascular surgery, where you’re standing for like six-hour cases, holding the retractor and you have really sick patients.

From Washington Post

“It makes everything look like a sham,” said Harvey Pitt, a former agency chairman, who has little sympathy for retractors.

From New York Times