retractor

noun — 6 senses

retractor

noun

US /ɹɪˈtɹæktɚ/ · UK /ɹɪˈtɹæktə/

Etymology From retract + -or.

1

One who, or that which, retracts.

2

In breech-loading firearms, a device for withdrawing a cartridge shell from the barrel.

3

Board games, Chess, Games A chess puzzle in which a number of moves are retracted and the solver is challenged to reach an alternate outcome.

4

A surgical instrument used to hold apart the edges of an incision or wound.

5

A bandage to protect soft parts of the body from injury by a surgical saw.

6

Biology, Natural sciences, Zoology A muscle serving to draw in any part.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.