suspensory

1 of 2

adjective

sus·​pen·​so·​ry sə-ˈspen(t)-sə-rē 

-ˈspen(t)s-rē

1

: held in suspension

also : fitted or serving to suspend

2

: temporarily leaving undetermined : suspensive sense 1

suspensory

2 of 2

noun

plural suspensories

: something that suspends or holds up

especially : a fabric supporter for the scrotum

Examples of suspensory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Unlike suspensory great apes that favor their forelimbs and bipedal hominins which prefer their hindlimbs, the anatomy of D. guggenmosi indicates that the ancient primate used both sets of limbs equally. —Andrea Michelson, Smithsonian, 6 Nov. 2019

Noun

The Daily Racing Form reported the 6-year-old gelding had filling over a suspensory in a leg. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2021

For example, orangutans use clambering, upright or horizontal climbing, suspensory swinging, and assisted bipedalism (walking upright using hands for support). —Vivien Shaw, Quartz, 14 Dec. 2019

Her lameness was readily apparent to Dr. Bramlage, and ultrasounds proved both hind suspensories were enlarged. —Jay Posner, sandiegouniontribune.com, 31 Aug. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing suspensory

• suspensory ligament

Medical Definition

suspensory

1 of 2 adjective

sus·​pen·​so·​ry sə-ˈspen(t)s-(ə-)rē 

: serving to suspend : providing support

the suspensory nature of the periodontal membrane

—John Osborne et al.

suspensory

2 of 2 noun

plural suspensories

: something that suspends or holds up

especially : a fabric supporter for the scrotum