retainer

English

Etymology

From retain, from French retenir (“to retain”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ɹɪˈteɪn.ə/
• (US) IPA: /ɹɪˈteɪn.ɚ/, /ɹəˈteɪn.ɚ/
• Rhymes: -eɪnə(r)

Noun

retainer (plural retainers)

1. A dependent or follower of someone of rank.
2. A paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years.
3. Any thing or person that retains.
4. A fee one pays to reserve the other's time for services.

   This lawyer charges a retainer for his work.

5. (dentistry): A device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

Related terms

• retain

Translations

a dependent or follower of someone of rank

a paid servant, especially one who has been employed for many years

Finnish: palvelija (fi)

any thing or person that retains

Finnish: pidike (fi), kiinnitin (fi)

a fee charged for services

Finnish: ennakkopalkkio, ennakkomaksu

French: avance (fr) f.

a device that holds teeth in position after orthodontic treatment

Dutch: retentiebeugel (nl) French: faux-palais (fr) m. German: Retainer (de)

Polish: aparat ortodontyczny (pl) m. Portuguese: aparelho (pt) m. Spanish: retenedor (es)

See also

• brace

Anagrams

• Eritrean
• rain tree