Retractor

[ri'træktә]

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

Edited by Fergus--From WordNet

(n.) One who, or that which, retracts.

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

(n.) An instrument for holding apart the edges of a wound during amputation.

(n.) A bandage to protect the soft parts from injury by the saw during amputation.

(n.) A muscle serving to draw in any organ or part. See Illust. under Phylactolaemata.

Inputed by Dennis