-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
retractor
noun
re·trac·tor
ri-ˈtrak-tər
: 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
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractors, as necessary.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024
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
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
Dictionary Entries Near retractor
Cite this Entry
“Retractor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retractor. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
retractor
noun
re·trac·tor
ri-ˈtrak-tər
: 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
: 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
Britannica English: Translation of retractor for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share