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

The investigation is reviewing allegations that the seat belt retractor pretensioner inadvertently deployed in some vehicles, which resulted in the loss of seat belt pretensioner protection and allowed the seat belt to remain in a locked position. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 3 Dec. 2024

One investigation concerns the inadvertent deployment of the seatbelt retractor pretensioner in model 2019 and 2020 Ford Expeditions. —Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024

In separate releases issued Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) was looking into complaints about a seat belt retractor, as well as ones about loss of motive power in recent model-year Ford Broncos and Ford Mavericks. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2024

Procedures Your healthcare provider may also suggest a nipple retractor or piercing for a longer-term solution. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

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