Definition

Noun: 1. A dental appliance: A device, often made of plastic and wire, that holds teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces). 2. A servant or attendant: A person who works in the service of another, especially in a household, often implying a long-term or loyal association. 3. An advance fee: A payment made in advance to secure the services of a professional, such as a lawyer, consultant, or artist, for a future period.

Examples

• Dental Appliance:
  • After her braces were removed, she had to wear a retainer every night.
  • The orthodontist fitted him with a permanent retainer behind his front teeth.
• Servant or Attendant:
  • The lord was always accompanied by his loyal retainer.
  • In historical dramas, a retainer might be seen serving food or delivering messages.
• Advance Fee:
  • The lawyer required a retainer of $5,000 before beginning work on the case.
  • The client paid a monthly retainer to keep the consultant on call.

Advanced Usage

• "On retainer": This phrase describes a professional who is paid a regular fee to be available for work when needed.
  • The company has a cybersecurity firm on retainer for emergencies.
• "Old retainer": A somewhat old-fashioned or humorous term for a long-serving, faithful servant.
  • The family's old retainer had been with them for three generations.

Variants and Related Words

• Retain (verb): To keep or continue to have something; to secure the services of someone by payment.
  • She wanted to retain her lawyer for the appeal.
• Retention (noun): The act of retaining or keeping something.
  • The retention of key staff is important for the company.

Synonyms

• Dental Appliance: (Dental) brace, stabilizer.
• Servant: Attendant, aide, domestic, vassal (historical).
• Advance Fee: Deposit, advance, preliminary payment, engagement fee.

Related Phrases

• Retainer agreement: A contract specifying the terms for services secured by a retainer fee.
  • They signed a retainer agreement with the marketing agency.

Noun

1. a dental appliance that holds teeth (or a prosthesis) in position after orthodontic treatment
2. a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
3. a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone