obturator

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obturator (ob-tewr-ay-ter) n.
1. a wire or rod within a cannula or hollow needle for piercing tissues or fitting aspirating needles.

2. a removable form of denture that both closes a defect in the palate and also restores the dentition.

3. (o. muscle) either of two muscles that cover the outer surface of the anterior wall of the pelvis and are responsible for lateral rotation of the thigh and movements of the hip. o. foramen a large opening in the hip bone, below and slightly in front of the acetabulum. See also pelvis.

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