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MedTerms Medical Dictionary

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Abductor muscle: Any muscle used to pull a body part away from the midline of the body. For example, the abductor muscles of the legs spread the legs away from the midline and away from one another.

The word "abductor" comes from the Latin prefix "ab-" meaning "away from" + "ducere" meaning "to draw or lead" = "to draw away from."

The prefix "ab-" is opposed to the prefix "ad-". Therefore, the opposite of "abductor" is "adductor." An abductor muscle opposes an adductor muscle.


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Information in the MedTerms Medical Dictionary is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should carefully read all product packaging. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.