1. a medical instrument used to press down or hold down a part of the body during examination
Usage: medical
2. a muscle that pulls down or lowers a body part
Usage: anatomy
3. something that causes a decrease or reduction in activity or function

Examples

• The doctor used a tongue depressor to examine the patient’s throat.
• The wooden depressor felt cold against her tongue.
• The depressor muscle helps lower the corner of the mouth.
• Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressor.
• The medication served as a cardiac depressor, slowing the heart rate.
• She gagged when the nurse inserted the depressor.