Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A semicircular instrument for measuring and constructing angles.
  • noun Anatomy A muscle that extends a limb or other part.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun One who or that which protracts. As applied to persons, also protractor.
  • noun In anatomy, a muscle which protracts, or extends or draws a part forward: the opposite of retractor. See diagram under Echinoidea.
  • noun An adjustable pattern, agreeing in proportion with particular measurements, used by tailors in cutting out garments.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun One who, or that which, protracts, or causes protraction.
  • noun A mathematical instrument for laying down and measuring angles on paper, used in drawing or in plotting. It is of various forms, semicircular, rectangular, or circular.
  • noun (Surg.) An instrument formerly used in extracting foreign or offensive matter from a wound.
  • noun (Anat.) A muscle which extends an organ or part; -- opposed to retractor.
  • noun An adjustable pattern used by tailors.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun One who, or that which, protracts, or causes protraction.
  • noun A circular or semicircular tool for drawing or measuring angles.
  • noun surgery An instrument formerly used in extracting foreign or offensive matter from a wound.
  • noun anatomy A muscle that extends an organ or part; opposed to retractor.
  • noun An adjustable pattern used by tailors.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun drafting instrument used to draw or measure angles

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • That is, hold the protractor, which is "D" shaped, in the same orientation as the letter "D".

    dogsolitude Diary Entry dogsolitude 2007

  • -- As all angles are not obtainable by the square or bevel, a protractor is a most desirable addition to the stock of tools.

    Practical Mechanics for Boys J. S. Zerbe

  • Kelly allegedly pulled out the instrument, described as a protractor or compass, and tried to stab the victim.

    unknown title 2008

  • A 14-year-old Naples High School student faces felony charges of aggravated battery for allegedly attacking another teen at the Coastland Center mall with an instrument described as a protractor or compass.

    unknown title 2008

  • But Dr. Jonas enthralled me with a protractor and precalculus.

    Chocolate & Vicodin Jennette Fulda 2011

  • “Turn your head as far as you can to the left,” he said as he pulled out a clear plastic protractor that would measure how much rotation I had in my neck.

    Chocolate & Vicodin Jennette Fulda 2011

  • But Dr. Jonas enthralled me with a protractor and precalculus.

    Chocolate & Vicodin Jennette Fulda 2011

  • Dr. Jonas took out a number-two pencil, a ruler, and a protractor to draw lines on my x-rays.

    Chocolate & Vicodin Jennette Fulda 2011

  • “Turn your head as far as you can to the left,” he said as he pulled out a clear plastic protractor that would measure how much rotation I had in my neck.

    Chocolate & Vicodin Jennette Fulda 2011

  • Dr. Jonas took out a number-two pencil, a ruler, and a protractor to draw lines on my x-rays.

    Chocolate & Vicodin Jennette Fulda 2011

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