obturator meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

obturator

noun

Etymology From Latin obtūrō (“to stop, block up”).

Medicine, Sciences, Surgery An object used to obstruct a hole, such as a fissure of the palate.

Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences The membrane vessels, etc. that close the obturator foramen, or thyroid foramen, a large opening or fenestra in the anterior part of the hip bone.

Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A valve closure member (disk, gate, plug, etc.).

Obturators, held down by compressed air, close the pipe giving direct access from the h.p. exhaust to the l.p. steam chest, and so prevent compound working; […].1952 December, 'Mercury', “Modern French Locomotive Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 803:

Engineering, Firearms, Government, Military, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Politics, Tools, War, Weaponry Any device for preventing the escape of gas through the breech mechanism of a breech-loading gun; a gas check.

Arts, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Photography A camera shutter.

Derived terms: obturator foramen, transobturator