Stretcher

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈstrÉ›tʃə/
• US enPR: strÄ•chʹər, IPA: /ˈstrÉ›tʃɚ/
• Rhymes: -É›tʃə(r)

Origin

stretch + -er

Noun

1. One who, or that which, stretches.
2. A simple litter designed to carry a sick, injured, or dead person.
• 2012, April 15, Phil McNulty, Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea, The goal also cost the Blues the services of Luiz, who was injured in attempting to clear and was taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Gary Cahill.
3. A frame on which a canvas is stretched for painting.
4. A device to stretch shoes or gloves.
5. A brick laid with the longest side exposed (compare header).
6. (architecture) A piece of timber used in building.
7. (slang) A lie; an overstretching of the truth.
8. (nautical) A board against which a rower places his feet.
9. (nautical) A crosspiece placed between the sides of a boat to keep them apart when hoisted up and gripped.
10. One of the rods in an umbrella, attached at one end to one of the ribs, and at the other to the tube sliding upon the handle.
11. An instrument for stretching boots or gloves.
12. (obsolete) A penis, especially a long penis.

Derived terms

• stretcher-bearer
• stretcher case

Full definition of stretcher

Verb

1. (transitive) To carry (an injured person) on a stretcher.