protractor

noun

pro·trac·tor | \ prō-ˈtrak-tər

, prə-\

Definition of protractor

1a : one that protracts

b : a muscle that extends a part

2 : an instrument for laying down and measuring angles in drawing and plotting

Examples of protractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fixture's arm is clipped to some nearby object to anchor the protractor dial, which must be returned to zero after the initial torque is applied. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "How to Use a Torque Wrench to Keep Your Car from Flying Apart," 26 Feb. 2019 There have been sterling silver protractors, and tin cans, and even a greenhouse, as well as bone china to-go coffee cups in Tiffany blue. — Reed Krakoff, Town & Country, "Tiffany & Co. Wants to Change the Rules of How to Wear a Diamond," 27 Nov. 2018 Sure, a protractor works, but a sextant does this even better. — Rhett Allain, WIRED, "Figure Out Where You Are With Nothing But a Watch and Protractor," 3 May 2018 USA TODAY Sports The compass controversy is over, and the U.S. Golf Association has ruled that Bryson DeChambeau may no longer use his protractor on the course. — Kevin Casey, USA TODAY, "USGA rules that Bryson DeChambeau can't use drawing compass on golf course," 6 July 2018 Now hold the protractor upside down and aim the straight part towards the North Star. — Rhett Allain, WIRED, "Figure Out Where You Are With Nothing But a Watch and Protractor," 3 May 2018 Better whip out your protractor for this one, Meg … • Stop eating when the queen stops eating. — Lisa Ryan, The Cut, "What Are the Most Bizarre Royal Etiquette Rules?," 3 May 2018 Last November, the can reappeared, only this time in sterling with a vermeil interior, as part of Krakoff’s Everyday Objects collection, which also includes a $9,000 silver ball of yarn and a $425 silver-and-walnut protractor. — Christina Binkley, WSJ, "The Secret Inside Tiffany’s Blue Box: Reed Krakoff," 26 Mar. 2018 The pieces will include sterling silver protractors, rulers, a drinking straw, a first aid kit, and a paper cup. — Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, "Inside the Secret World of Tiffany & Co.'s Silversmiths," 12 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'protractor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.