adduct

1 of 2

verb

ad·​duct ə-ˈdəkt 

a-

adducted; adducting; adducts

transitive verb

: to draw (something, such as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body

also : to bring together (similar parts)

adduct the fingers

adduct

2 of 2

noun

ad·​duct ˈa-ˌdəkt 

: a chemical addition product

adducts form as carcinogenic metabolites bind to DNA

Examples of adduct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The groin a pretty complex area, consisting of three fairly large muscle groups—the abdominals, iliopsoas, and adductors: Your adductors work together to adduct (or move toward the midline of the body) the thigh while keeping your lower extremities and pelvis stabilized. —Women's Health, 9 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from Medieval Latin adductus, past participle of addūcere "to draw (a limb) toward the body," going back to Latin, "to lead or bring (to a place)" — more at adduce

Noun

borrowed from German Addukt, short for Additionprodukt, from Addition addition + Produkt product

First Known Use

Verb

1808, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

adduct

verb

ad·​duct

ə-ˈdəkt

: to draw (a part of the body) toward or past a middle plane or line that divides the body or a bodily part into right and left halves

Medical Definition

adduct

1 of 2 transitive verb

ad·​duct ə-ˈdəkt, a- 

: to draw (as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body

also : to bring together (similar parts)

adduct the fingers

adductive

-ˈdək-tiv 

adjective

adduct

2 of 2 noun

ad·​duct ˈad-ˌəkt 

: a chemical addition product