adductor

noun

ad·​duc·​tor ə-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce adductor (audio)
a-
1
: a muscle that draws a part toward the median line of the body or toward the axis of an extremity
2
: a muscle that closes the valves of a bivalve mollusk

Examples of adductor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
White resumed practicing a week ago after an adductor injury, and after recovering in the spring from ankle surgery due to a gunshot wound at a Super Bowl afterparty. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 There were shorter absences for core, ankle and adductor issues over the year, but a hamstring problem, which wiped out December and January, was the decisive blow. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Rookie Kaelon Black returned last Tuesday after missing time with an adductor injury and Jordan James returned Saturday after breaking his finger. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026 In addition to the absences of Messi and De Paul, Miami was missing Tadeo Allende (knee), David Ayala (adductor strain), Maxi Falcon (calf strain), and Gonzalo Lujan (calf strain). — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for adductor

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Late Latin, "conductor," from Latin addūcere "to lead or bring (to a place)" + -tor, agent suffix — more at adduce

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adductor was in 1615

Rhymes for adductor

See All Rhymes for adductor

Browse Nearby Words

adductive
adductor
adductor impression
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adductor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adductor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

adductor

noun
ad·​duc·​tor ə-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce adductor (audio)
: a muscle that draws a body part (as an arm or finger) toward or past a plane or a line that divides the body or a hand or foot into right and left halves

Medical Definition

adductor

noun
ad·​duc·​tor -ˈdək-tər How to pronounce adductor (audio)
1
: any of three powerful triangular muscles that contribute to the adduction of the human thigh:
a
: one arising from the superior ramus of the pubis and inserted into the middle third of the linea aspera

called also adductor longus

b
: one arising from the inferior ramus of the pubis and inserted into the iliopectineal line and the upper part of the linea aspera

called also adductor brevis

c
: one arising from the inferior ramus of the pubis and the ischium and inserted behind the first two into the linea aspera

called also adductor magnus

2
: any of several muscles other than the adductors of the thigh that draw a part toward the median line of the body or toward the axis of an extremity
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