Definition of "retractor" []

• One that retracts, as: (noun)
• Anatomy A muscle, such as a flexor, that retracts an organ or a part. (noun)
• Medicine A surgical instrument used to hold back organs or the edges of an incision. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Behind that is a deep balfour retractor, which is used on belly cases and in the front are some various hemostatic clamps, probably sponge tips and allises."
• "His dark eyes lock on and draw her in like a retractor beam, tugging against her reluctance, propelling her towards him as the outside world seals shut against them."
• "The shoulder belt and the lap belt each have their own retractor system."