Retainer: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆท
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retainer

 

[rษชหˆteษชnษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dental device

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that holds teeth in position following orthodontic treatment. It is usually made of plastic and wire and can either be fixed or removable. The purpose of a retainer is to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position after braces are removed.

Synonyms

device, holder, support.

Examples of usage

  • She wore her retainer every night after getting her braces off.
  • The orthodontist recommended a retainer to maintain the alignment of the teeth.
  • It's important to clean your retainer regularly to avoid bad breath.
Context #2 | Noun

legal agreement

A retainer is a fee paid in advance to secure the services of a professional, such as a lawyer. This fee often ensures that the professional is available to provide legal services when needed.

Synonyms

advance payment, down payment, engagement fee.

Examples of usage

  • She paid a retainer to ensure that the lawyer would be available for her upcoming case.
  • The retainer agreement specified the additional fees for services beyond the initial payment.
  • He was relieved to have a retainer in place with his attorney.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'retinere', which means 'to hold back' or 'to keep'.
  • In the 16th century, 'retainer' referred to someone who was kept or retained for services.

Legal Context

  • In law, a retainer is often an advance fee paid to secure services from an attorney.
  • Retainers can also outline the scope of work and the lawyer's availability, ensuring priority attention.

Dental Health

  • Retainers are crucial for maintaining teeth alignment after the use of braces, preventing regression.
  • There are various types of retainers; some are removable and some are fixed to teeth.

Cultural References

  • In medieval times, a retainer often referred to a servant or attendant with a duty to a noble person.
  • The concept of retainers has appeared in literature, with characters often portrayed as loyal aids to central figures.

Modern Usage

  • Today, retainers can also refer to subscription-based services where clients pay a regular fee for ongoing support.
  • The idea of 'retainer' has expanded in business, where it can mean securing long-term consultancy or services.

Translations

Translations of the word "retainer" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น retentor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเคฟเคŸเฅ‡เคจเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Retainer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penahan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัƒั‚ั€ะธะผัƒะฒะฐั‡

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ retainer

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒชใƒ†ใ‚คใƒŠใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท retain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ retenedor

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท retainer

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฆฌํ…Œ์ด๋„ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุซุจุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ retainer

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ retainer

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไฟๆŒๅ™จ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nosilec

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ haltari

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑัั‚ะฐะฟ ั‚าฑั€ัƒัˆั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ˜แƒขแƒ”แƒ˜แƒœแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ saxlama

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ retenedor

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,171, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.