OBTURATOR

obturator

(noun) a prosthesis used to close an opening (as to close an opening of the hard palate in cases of cleft palate)

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

obturator (plural obturators)

(surgery) An object used to obstruct a hole, such as a fissure of the palate.

(anatomy) 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) Valve closure member (disk, gate, plug, etc.).

(ordnance) Any device for preventing the escape of gas through the breech mechanism of a breech-loading gun; a gas check.

(photography) A camera shutter.

Source: Wiktionary


Ob"tu*ra`tor, n. Etym: [NL., fr. L. obturare to stop up: cf.F. obturateur.]

1. That which closes or stops an opening.

2. (Surg.)

Definition: An apparatus designed to close an unnatural opening, as a fissure of the palate.

Ob"tu*ra`tor, a. (Anat.)

Definition: Serving as an obturator; closing an opening; pertaining to, or in the region of, the obturator foramen; as, the obturator nerve. Obturator foramen (Anat.), an opening situated between the public and ischial parts of the innominate bone and closed by the obturator membrane; the thyroid foramen.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

7 May 2025

RUNNER

(noun) a person who is employed to deliver messages or documents; “he sent a runner over with the contract”


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Coffee Trivia

International Coffee Day (September 29) is an occasion to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, with events occurring in places across the world. A day to promote fair trade coffee and raise awareness for the coffee growers’ plight. Other countries celebrate this event on October 1.

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