adductor

noun

ad·​duc·​tor ə-ˈdək-tər 

a-

1

: a muscle that draws a part toward the median line of the body or toward the axis of an extremity

2

: a muscle that closes the valves of a bivalve mollusk

Examples of adductor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Strengthening: Add exercises to your regular workout routine that strengthen your hip adductors, pelvic muscles, and lower abdomen. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 22 Apr. 2025

Slater joined fellow outfielders Andrew Benintendi (left adductor strain) and Mike Tauchman (right hamstring strain) on the 10-day IL, leaving Venable with a patchwork outfield that surrounds Robert with Michael A. Taylor, Joshua Palacios and Greg Jones. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025

Snell has been on the IL multiple times in recent years with groin or adductor injuries. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2025

Messi had returned to action against the Philadelphia Union over the weekend after recovering from an adductor strain and scored the game-winning goal two minutes after entering the field. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Late Latin, "conductor," from Latin addūcere "to lead or bring (to a place)" + -tor, agent suffix — more at adduce

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

adductor

noun

ad·​duc·​tor ə-ˈdək-tər 

: a muscle that draws a body part (as an arm or finger) toward or past a plane or a line that divides the body or a hand or foot into right and left halves

Medical Definition

adductor

noun

ad·​duc·​tor -ˈdək-tər 

1

: any of three powerful triangular muscles that contribute to the adduction of the human thigh:

a

: one arising from the superior ramus of the pubis and inserted into the middle third of the linea aspera

called also adductor longus

b

: one arising from the inferior ramus of the pubis and inserted into the iliopectineal line and the upper part of the linea aspera

called also adductor brevis

c

: one arising from the inferior ramus of the pubis and the ischium and inserted behind the first two into the linea aspera

called also adductor magnus

2

: any of several muscles other than the adductors of the thigh that draw a part toward the median line of the body or toward the axis of an extremity