stretcher

[ strech-er ]

noun

1. Medicine/Medical.
   1. a kind of litter, often of canvas stretched on a frame, for carrying the sick, wounded, or dead.
   2. a similar litter on wheels, adapted for use in ambulances and hospitals.
2. a person or thing that stretches.
3. any of various instruments for extending, widening, distending, etc.
4. a bar, beam, or fabricated material, serving as a tie or brace.
5. Masonry. a brick or stone laid in a wall so that its longer edge is exposed or parallel to the surface. Compare header ( def 5a ).
6. a simple wooden framework on which the canvas for an oil painting is stretched.
7. Furniture.
   1. a framework connecting and bracing the legs of a piece of furniture.
   2. one member of this framework.
8. a crosspiece that is set athwart and near the bottom in a small boat, and against which the feet of a rower are braced.
9. one of the thin, sliding rods connecting the canopy and handle of an umbrella.

verb (used with object)

1. to stretch (canvas for a painting) on a stretcher.

stretcher

/ ˈstrɛtʃə /

noun

1. a device for transporting the ill, wounded, or dead, consisting of a frame covered by canvas or other material
2. a strengthening often decorative member joining the legs of a chair, table, etc
3. the wooden frame on which canvas is stretched and fixed for oil painting
4. a tie beam or brace used in a structural framework
5. a brick or stone laid horizontally with its length parallel to the length of a wall Compare header
6. rowing a fixed board across a boat on which an oarsman braces his feet
7. a camp bed
8. slang.
   an exaggeration or lie

verb

1. to transport (a sick or injured person) on a stretcher

Word History and Origins

Origin of stretcher¹

First recorded in 1375–1425, stretcher is from the late Middle English word stretcher. See stretch, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Trained in first aid, river crossing and high mountain rescue, they practise evacuating the village a few times a year, volunteers carrying the wounded on stretchers and bandaging mock injuries.

From BBC

A woman is rushed in on a stretcher, with blood streaming down her face.

From BBC

Forward Savinho was then taken off on a stretcher in the 63rd minute of the game after appearing to hurt his ankle.

From BBC

As we begin to leave the site, a hush falls over those gathered and we see a stretcher carrying a wrapped body being taken away by the digger.

From BBC

The Civil Defence workers arrive and help her onto a stretcher.

From BBC