How Do You Spell PLEXOR?

Pronunciation: [plˈɛksə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "plexor" can be quite confusing for those unfamiliar with medical terminology. It is pronounced /ˈplɛksər/ and refers to an instrument used for tapping on the body to help diagnose medical conditions. The "plex-" prefix comes from the Greek word "πληξίς" meaning "a stroke" or "blow." The "-or" suffix is used to indicate a person or thing that performs a particular action or function. So, in essence, a plexor is an instrument that delivers a tapping or striking motion.

PLEXOR Meaning and Definition

1. A plexor is a medical instrument primarily utilized for testing or examining reflexes within the body. Specifically, it is a small, usually metallic, hammer-like instrument that is designed to produce a quick tap or strike on various body parts, such as tendons or bones, with the intention of eliciting a reflex response. This diagnostic tool is commonly used during physical examinations or neurological assessments to evaluate the integrity and responsiveness of the nervous system.

   The plexor consists of a handle, which is typically made of plastic or metal, and a weighted head that strikes the target area. The head is often rubberized or encased with a soft material to provide optimal contact and minimize discomfort during the examination. By applying a controlled and abrupt pressure on the chosen body region, the plexor stimulates the sensory receptors in the area, leading to a reflexive muscle contraction or relaxation.

   The most well-known application of a plexor is the "knee jerk" or patellar reflex, where the instrument is used to tap the patellar tendon just below the kneecap. The resulting jerk of the lower leg provides important information about the functionality of the spinal cord and nerve pathways. However, plexors can also be employed to test other reflexes, like the biceps, triceps, or Achilles, aiding in the diagnosis and evaluation of various medical conditions or injuries.

   In summary, a plexor is a compact medical instrument used to assess reflexes in the body by applying a controlled strike or tap to specific body parts, enabling healthcare professionals to evaluate the functioning of the nervous system.

2. Plessor.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PLEXOR

• olexor
• llexor
• 0lexor
• pkexor
• ppexor
• poexor
• plwxor
• plsxor
• pldxor
• plrxor
• pl4xor
• pl3xor
• plezor
• plecor
• pledor
• plexo5
• plexo4
• plexo
• plexo2
• plexos

Etymology of PLEXOR

The word "plexor" is derived from the Latin term "plexorium", which in turn comes from the verb "plangere", meaning "to strike" or "to beat". The term "plexorium" referred to any instrument used to produce a striking or tapping sound. Over time, the word "plexor" specifically came to be associated with the percussion hammer used in medical examinations, such as testing reflexes.

Similar spelling words for PLEXOR

• plessor,
• ploeger.

Plural form of PLEXOR is PLEXORS