retainer
pronunciation
How to pronounce retainer in British English:
UK [rɪˈteɪnə(r)]
How to pronounce retainer in American English:
US [rɪˈtenɚ]
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- Noun:
- a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
- a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
- a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment
Word Origin
- retainer (n.1)
- "fee to secure services," mid-15c., originally "act of keeping for oneself" from retain, or perhaps from or influenced by Middle French retenir, infinitive used as a noun. Meaning "fee paid to an attorney to secure his services" is from 1818.
- retainer (n.2)
- "servant," 1530s, agent noun from retain (v.). Also "one who retains or holds" (1540s). Meaning "dental structure used to hold a bridge in place" is recorded from 1887.
Example
- 1. Retainer plate must then be removed from the transmission housing .
- 2. I had one of those . A retainer ?
- 3. As the loyal retainer to congress 's family dynasty , mr singh lacks real power .
- 4. Install retainer for plug of wear indicator on wheel carrier .
- 5. Secure the retainer plate with adhesive tape on the front apron .