depressor

noun

de·​pres·​sor di-ˈpre-sər How to pronounce depressor (audio)
dē-
: one that depresses: such as
a
: a muscle that draws down a part compare levator
b
: a device for pressing down or aside
c
: a nerve or nerve fiber that decreases the activity or the tone of the organ or the part it innervates

Examples of depressor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As the upper lip is much drawn up during the act of screaming, the depressor muscles of the angles of the mouth are strongly contracted in order to keep the mouth widely open, so that a full volume of sound may be poured forth. Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2012 Last year was an economic depressor. Ryan Swehla, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2021 Leptin is produced by fat cells and is best known as a depressor of appetite. Amber Dance, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2022 It was tested by manipulating a tongue depressor around the uvula, soft palate, and pharyngeal vault. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'depressor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin deprimere

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressor was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near depressor

Cite this Entry

“Depressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depressor. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

depressor

noun
de·​pres·​sor di-ˈpres-ər How to pronounce depressor (audio)
: one that depresses
especially : a device for pressing a part (as the tongue) down or aside

Medical Definition

depressor

noun
de·​pres·​sor di-ˈpres-ər How to pronounce depressor (audio)
: one that depresses: as
a
: a muscle that draws down a part compare levator
b
: a device for pressing a part down or aside see tongue depressor
c
: a nerve or nerve fiber that decreases the activity or the tone of the organ or part it innervates
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