depressor

noun

de·​pres·​sor di-ˈpre-sər 

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

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin deprimere

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing depressor

• tongue depressor

Kids Definition

depressor

noun

de·​pres·​sor di-ˈpres-ər 

: 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 

: 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