RETRACTOR

retractor

(noun) surgical instrument that holds back the edges of a surgical incision

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

retractor (plural retractors)

One who, or that which, retracts.

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

(chess) A chess puzzle in which a number of moves are retracted and the solver is challenged to reach an alternate outcome.

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

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

(zoology) A muscle serving to draw in any part.

Source: Wiktionary

Re*tract"or, n.

Definition: One who, or that which, retracts. Specifically: (a) In breech-loading firearms, a device for withdrawing a cartridge shell from the barrel. (b) (Surg.)

Definition: An instrument for holding apart the edges of a wound during amputation. (c) (Surg.) A bandage to protect the soft parts from injury by the saw during amputation. (d) (Anat. & Zoöl.)

Definition: A muscle serving to draw in any organ or part. See Illust. under Phylactolæmata.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition