suspensory

1 of 2

adjective

sus·​pen·​so·​ry sə-ˈspen(t)-sə-rē 

-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

Paramount’s deal could close without UK clearance because the merger control regime is non-suspensory, though Ellison has always intended to respect the British process. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 July 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin suspensōrius "serving to suspend," from Latin suspendere "to suspend" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin suspensōrium, noun derivative from neuter of suspensōrius "serving to suspend" — more at suspensory entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing suspensory

• suspensory ligament

Rhymes for suspensory

• dispensary
• extrasensory
• multisensory
• sensory
• somatosensory

Medical Definition

suspensory

1 of 2 adjective

sus·​pen·​so·​ry sə-ˈspen(t)s-(ə-)rē 

: serving to suspend : providing support

the suspensory nature of the periodontal membrane

—John Osborne et al.

suspensory

2 of 2 noun

plural suspensories

: something that suspends or holds up

especially : a fabric supporter for the scrotum