retractor

noun

re·​trac·​tor ri-ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce retractor (audio)
: one that retracts: such as
a
: a surgical instrument for holding open the edges of a wound
b
: a muscle that draws in an organ or part

Examples of retractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Recalled: Ford EcoSport Rear Seat Covers Porsche recall Porsche is recalling 910 vehicles because the seat belt automatic locking retractor may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 While the retractor wasn’t seen on X-rays, a CT scan found the device lodged inside her abdomen before it was surgically removed. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023 But the surgeon decided the retractor was too small, so it was removed and replaced with a larger version, the report alleges. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023 During the procedure, an Alexis wound retractor (AWR), a device used to draw back the edges of a wound during surgery, was left in her abdomen. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2023 While the retractor would have normally been removed before the skin was stitched closed, it was left in the woman’s abdomen, the report says. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2023 The report said that the retractors were not included in a routine count of medical equipment in the hospital department, as is standard. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 5 Sep. 2023 An Alexis retractor, or AWR, which can measure 17 centimeters (6 inches) in diameter, was left inside the mother’s body following the birth of her baby at Auckland City Hospital in 2020. Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 4 Sep. 2023 One word of Cosmo Kramer–inspired advice: Don’t use a retractor. Sydney Odman, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Oct. 2022

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

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retractor was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near retractor

Cite this Entry

“Retractor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retractor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retractor

noun
re·​trac·​tor ri-ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce retractor (audio)
: one that retracts
especially : a muscle that draws an organ or part in or back

Medical Definition

retractor

noun
re·​trac·​tor ri-ˈtrak-tər How to pronounce retractor (audio)
: one that retracts: as
a
: any of various surgical instruments for holding tissues away from the field of operation
b
: a muscle that draws in an organ or part compare protractor

More from Merriam-Webster on retractor

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