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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

See Words from the same year
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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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