1. a surgical instrument used to hold back tissues or organs during an operation
Usage: medical
2. a muscle that draws back or pulls in a part of the body
Usage: anatomy

Examples

• The surgeon used a retractor to hold the skin open during the procedure.
• The medical student learned to properly position the retractor.
• A self-retaining retractor allowed the doctor to work with both hands free.
• The retractor muscle helps pull the tongue back into the mouth.
• Different types of retractors are used for various surgical procedures.
• The nurse handed the surgeon a fresh retractor from the sterile tray.