adduct

1 of 2

verb

ad·​duct ə-ˈdəkt How to pronounce adduct (audio)
a-
adducted; adducting; adducts

transitive verb

: to draw (something, such as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body
also : to bring together (similar parts)
adduct the fingers

adduct

2 of 2

noun

ad·​duct ˈa-ˌdəkt How to pronounce adduct (audio)
: a chemical addition product
adducts form as carcinogenic metabolites bind to DNA

Examples of adduct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The groin a pretty complex area, consisting of three fairly large muscle groups—the abdominals, iliopsoas, and adductors: Your adductors work together to adduct (or move toward the midline of the body) the thigh while keeping your lower extremities and pelvis stabilized. Women's Health, 9 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adduct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from Medieval Latin adductus, past participle of addūcere "to draw (a limb) toward the body," going back to Latin, "to lead or bring (to a place)" — more at adduce

Noun

borrowed from German Addukt, short for Additionprodukt, from Addition addition + Produkt product

First Known Use

Verb

1808, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adduct was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near adduct

Cite this Entry

“Adduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adduct. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

adduct

verb
ad·​duct
ə-ˈdəkt
: to draw (a part of the body) toward or past a middle plane or line that divides the body or a bodily part into right and left halves

Medical Definition

adduct

1 of 2 transitive verb
ad·​duct ə-ˈdəkt, a- How to pronounce adduct (audio)
: to draw (as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body
also : to bring together (similar parts)
adduct the fingers
adductive adjective

adduct

2 of 2 noun
ad·​duct ˈad-ˌəkt How to pronounce adduct (audio)
: a chemical addition product

More from Merriam-Webster on adduct

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