tongue depressor
Plural
tongue depressors
1
a flat and thin medical instrument, usually made of wood or plastic, used to hold down the tongue during a mouth and throat examination
A tongue depressor is a small, flat, wooden or plastic tool used in medical examinations to hold down the tongue. It allows healthcare providers to examine the throat and mouth for various medical purposes, such as checking for infections, examining the gums and teeth, or evaluating the throat's condition. Tongue depressors are hygienic as they are thrown away after each use, making sure that each patient receives a clean examination tool.
- The doctor used a tongue depressor to examine my throat.
- A tongue depressor is commonly used in oral health screenings.
- The school nurse grabbed a tongue depressor for a quick throat check.
- During the dental exam, the dentist used a tongue depressor.
- The pharmacist used a tongue depressor to apply medicine to the back of the throat.