suspensory

1 of 2

adjective

sus·​pen·​so·​ry sə-ˈspen(t)-sə-rē How to pronounce suspensory (audio)
-ˈspen(t)s-rē
1
: held in suspension
also : fitted or serving to suspend
2
: temporarily leaving undetermined : suspensive sense 1

suspensory

2 of 2

noun

plural suspensories
: something that suspends or holds up
especially : a fabric supporter for the scrotum

Examples of suspensory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Unlike suspensory great apes that favor their forelimbs and bipedal hominins which prefer their hindlimbs, the anatomy of D. guggenmosi indicates that the ancient primate used both sets of limbs equally. Andrea Michelson, Smithsonian, 6 Nov. 2019
Noun
The Daily Racing Form reported the 6-year-old gelding had filling over a suspensory in a leg. Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2021 For example, orangutans use clambering, upright or horizontal climbing, suspensory swinging, and assisted bipedalism (walking upright using hands for support). Vivien Shaw, Quartz, 14 Dec. 2019 Her lameness was readily apparent to Dr. Bramlage, and ultrasounds proved both hind suspensories were enlarged. Jay Posner, sandiegouniontribune.com, 31 Aug. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suspensory was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near suspensory

Cite this Entry

“Suspensory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspensory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

suspensory

1 of 2 adjective
sus·​pen·​so·​ry sə-ˈspen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce suspensory (audio)
: serving to suspend : providing support
the suspensory nature of the periodontal membraneJohn Osborne et al.

suspensory

2 of 2 noun
plural suspensories
: something that suspends or holds up
especially : a fabric supporter for the scrotum
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