Retainer: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆท
retainer
[ rษชหteษชnษr ]
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
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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "retainer" in other languages:
๐ต๐น retentor
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฐเคฟเคเฅเคจเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Retainer
๐ฎ๐ฉ penahan
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะธะผัะฒะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ retainer
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใใคใใผ
๐ซ๐ท retain
๐ช๐ธ retenedor
๐น๐ท retainer
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฆฌํ ์ด๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุซุจุช
๐จ๐ฟ retainer
๐ธ๐ฐ retainer
๐จ๐ณ ไฟๆๅจ
๐ธ๐ฎ nosilec
๐ฎ๐ธ haltari
๐ฐ๐ฟ าฑััะฐะฟ ัาฑัััั
๐ฌ๐ช แ แแขแแแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ saxlama
๐ฒ๐ฝ retenedor
Word origin
The word 'retainer' dates back to the late Middle Ages, originating from the Latin word 'retinere', which means 'to hold back' or 'to keep'. Initially, it referred to someone who was retained or hired by a noble or wealthy person, especially in a legal or military capacity. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings related to holding or maintaining something in place. In the context of orthodontics, it specifically relates to devices that hold teeth in their desired positions post-treatment. Additionally, in legal terms, a retainer signifies an agreement where a client pays a fee to secure the lawyer's services for future consultations and needs. This duality in meaning reflects the broader usage of the term in English, adapting to various professional contexts while retaining its core idea of holding and maintaining.