Retainer: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆท
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retainer

 

[ rษชหˆteษชnษ™r ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

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.

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.