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Stretcher Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stretcher

[หˆstrษ›tสƒษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical equipment

A stretcher is a medical device used for transporting injured or sick people. It is typically a simple bed or frame made of metal or other materials, designed to be carried by multiple people. Stretchers are commonly used in ambulances, hospitals, and emergency situations.

Synonyms

bed, gurney, trolley.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stretcher

Used in medical emergencies or evacuation situations to transport people who are injured or unable to move. Commonly seen in ambulances, hospitals, and rescue operations.

  • The paramedics carefully placed the injured man onto the stretcher.
  • During the rescue mission, the team carried the hikers down the mountain on stretchers.
gurney

Specifically used in medical settings to transport patients within a hospital. It usually has wheels for easy movement and is often seen in emergency rooms and operating theaters.

  • The nurse wheeled the unconscious patient into the operating room on a gurney.
  • Paramedics quickly moved the accident victim onto a gurney for immediate transport to the ER.
trolley

Used for transporting items or sometimes patients in a hospital. Typically refers to carts with wheels used for various purposes like serving food, medical supplies, or moving goods.

  • A hospital trolley was used to deliver the morning breakfast to the patients.
  • The cleaners used a trolley to carry all their equipment down the corridor.
bed

Commonly used for sleeping or resting. Found in homes, hotels, and hospitals. Beds can also be specialized, such as hospital beds, for patient care.

  • After a long day, she was happy to finally lie down in her comfortable bed.
  • The patient was transferred to a hospital bed for further treatment.

Examples of usage

  • The paramedics carefully placed the injured hiker on the stretcher.
  • They wheeled the stretcher into the ambulance to transport the patient to the hospital.
  • The rescue team used a stretcher to carry the injured skier down the mountain.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

In sports, a stretcher is used to carry an injured player off the field. It is often a rigid board or frame with handles, designed to immobilize the injured person during transport.

Synonyms

cot, litter, transporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stretcher

Used in medical and emergency situations to carry people who are injured or unable to walk.

  • The paramedics lifted the patient onto the stretcher and quickly moved him to the ambulance.
  • During the rescue operation, survivors were carried out on stretchers.
litter

Used in historical or military settings; a type of stretcher with poles, carried by multiple people. Can also refer to garbage, which has a negative connotation.

  • The injured soldier was transported on a litter by his comrades.
  • Festival organizers urged attendees to dispose of their litter properly.
cot

Typically used in hospitals or temporary medical facilities; also refers to a portable bed often used for camping or in shelters.

  • The nurse instructed the mother to place her baby in the hospital cot.
  • After the hiking, they set up their cots and slept under the stars.
transporter

Refers to a device or vehicle used to move patients in hospitals or medical facilities, but can also be used for other goods.

  • The hospital transporter carried the elderly woman to her appointment.
  • The transporter ensured all equipment was delivered to the operation room on time.

Examples of usage

  • The football player was carried off the field on a stretcher after a serious injury.
  • The medical team quickly brought out the stretcher to assist the injured athlete.
  • They placed the injured gymnast on the stretcher to take her to the medical facility.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'stretcher'

The word 'stretcher' originated in the late 16th century from the verb 'stretch', which refers to the act of extending or lengthening something. Over time, the term 'stretcher' evolved to describe a device used for carrying or transporting injured individuals. The use of stretchers has been prevalent in various fields, including medicine, emergency services, and sports, highlighting their significance in providing aid and support to those in need.

See also: stretch, stretchable, stretched, stretchedly, stretching, stretchy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,100, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.