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retainer

noun re·tain·er \ ri-ˈtā-nər \

Definition of retainer

1 a : a person attached or owing service to a household; especially : servant
b : employee
2 : one that retains
3 : a device or structure that holds something in place: such as
a : the part of a dental replacement (such as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
b : a dental appliance used to hold teeth in correct position especially following orthodontic treatment

First Known Use of retainer

1508

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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2

retainer

noun

Definition of retainer

1 : the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer, counselor, or adviser are engaged
2 : a fee paid to a lawyer or professional adviser for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed

Origin and Etymology of retainer

Middle English reteigner, literally, retention, from Anglo-French, from reteigner, verb

Medical Dictionary

retainer

noun re·tain·er \ ri-ˈtān-ər \

medical Definition of retainer

1 : the part of a dental replacement (as a bridge) by which it is made fast to adjacent natural teeth
2 : a dental appliance used to hold teeth in their correct position especially following orthodontic treatment

Law Dictionary

retainer

noun re·tain·er \ ri-ˈtā-nər \

legal Definition of retainer

1 : the act of a client by which the services of a lawyer are engaged
2 : a fee paid to a lawyer for advice or services or for a claim on services when needed

Origin and Etymology of retainer

Anglo-French retener act of engaging or employing, from retener retenir to engage, retain

Learn More about retainer

  1. See words that rhyme with retainer Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retainer Spanish Central: Translation of retainer Nglish: Translation of retainer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of retainer for Arabic speakers

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retainer

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