Meaning & use
suspensory
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivebefore a nountechnical
Relating to a structure that holds something up or keeps it in position.
Grammar: Used before a noun: suspensory ligament, suspensory bandage.
Patterns
- suspensory ligament
- suspensory muscle
- suspensory bandage
The surgeon repaired a tear in the suspensory ligament of the ankle.
A suspensory bandage was applied to support the injured arm.
The suspensory muscles help keep the organs in place.
nouncountabletechnical
A ligament, band, or similar structure that supports an organ or body part.
Grammar: Countable: one suspensory, two suspensories. Often used in the plural 'suspensories' in anatomy.
Patterns
- the suspensory of the eye
- a suspensory in the knee
The suspensory of the lens keeps it centered in the eye.
Damage to the suspensories can cause the organ to drop.
The doctor explained how the suspensory supports the uterus.
nouncountablemedical
A support worn to hold up the scrotum, often after surgery or injury.
Grammar: Countable and usually singular in this sense: wear a suspensory.
Patterns
- wear a suspensory
- a suspensory for support
After the operation, he was advised to wear a suspensory for a week.
The athlete used a suspensory to reduce discomfort.
A suspensory can help support the area during recovery.
Word forms
| plural | suspensories |
|---|
Common combinations
- suspensory ligament
- The suspensory ligament connects the lens to the eye wall.
- suspensory bandage
- A suspensory bandage was wrapped around his wrist.
- wear a suspensory
- He had to wear a suspensory after the injury.
- suspensory support
- The device provides suspensory support for the joint.
Synonyms and how they differ
- supporting
- A general adjective meaning holding something up; less technical than 'suspensory'.
- suspension
- A noun meaning the act of hanging or a mixture; not used for body structures.
Word family
- suspend verb
- To hang something or stop it for a time.
- suspension noun
- The act of hanging or delaying something.
- suspender noun
- A strap or fastener that holds something up, such as a sock or trousers.
Commonly confused: suspensory or suspension?
suspensory vs suspension
A noun for a hanging or a delay; 'suspensory' is an adjective or a supporting structure.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'suspensory' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Suspensory' is an adjective before 'ligament', so 'suspensory ligament' is correct. The other options either use it as a noun without 'ligament' or place it incorrectly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “suspensory”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.