Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
extensor

extensor

3 7.2
A muscle that straightens a limb like an arm or leg when it tightens
  • noun
  • /ɪkˈstɛnsər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : extensor
  • Similar sex differences in endurance of the back extensors have been reported before (2, 11, 22).
  • extensor muscle
  • hip extensor
  • knee extensor

So that's that's challenging my balance, the whole extensor chain strength, etcetera.

Examples

  • Our study emphasizes the role of the extensor mechanism and does not look at the effect of the flexor mechanism.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Movement of the extensor tendon causes the hand to open a distance proportional to the shortening of that muscle.

    Academic text (2001)

  • The three basic approaches to measuring trunk extensor strength are:

    Academic text (1997)

  • Future studies should investigate methods to improve the recruitment properties of the hip extensor muscles through innovative designs.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Any of the aforementioned mechanisms could have led to the underestimation of the maximum extensor strength.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Therefore, it probably functioned as a stabilizer for the lateral rotation and as an arm extensor.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Although trunk flexor and extensor muscles are physiologically postural muscles, they are active throughout most activities, including quiet standing.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Persons with CLBP demonstrate reduced endurance of trunk flexor and extensor muscles.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Endurance testing of trunk muscles examines the localized capability of the flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk to sustain activity.

    Academic text (1997)

  • The extensor muscles in your legs help you stand up straight when you walk.

Synonyms

extensor muscle
vsextensor
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A muscle that straightens a part of the body when it pulls

is the shorter term used without the extra noun
erector
vsextensor
  • Specialized
7.7

A muscle that straightens the spine and helps keep the back upright

focuses on causing limbs or parts to straighten by contracting

Antonyms

flexor
  • Specialized
4 7.2

A muscle that bends a joint

Compounds

extensor muscle
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A muscle that straightens a part of the body when it pulls

leg extensor
  • Specialized
6.0

An exercise done on a machine that makes the front thigh muscles stronger by straightening the knee

Surface Forms

extensor singular
extensors plural

Morphology

extensor = extend (transparent) = extend + or

Formed from the verb 'extend' plus the agent/instrument suffix '-or', so the meaning 'that which extends' (here a muscle) is directly derivable.

Etymology

The word extensor comes from the root extend, as in extension, from Latin extendere which means 'to stretch out', and the ending -or meaning 'one who does'. So an extensor is literally 'one that stretches', which is why it is the muscle that straightens a limb.