Langimage
English

depressor

|de-press-or|

C1

🇺🇸

/dɪˈprɛsər/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈprɛsə/

press down

Etymology
Etymology Information

'depressor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deprimere,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'premere' meant 'to press.'

Historical Evolution

'deprimere' transformed into the French word 'depresser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'depressor' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to press down,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a muscle that draws down a part of the body.

The depressor anguli oris muscle helps to lower the corners of the mouth.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

an instrument or device used to press down or flatten something.

The doctor used a tongue depressor during the examination.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/06/10 05:24