retainer

/ri'teinə/
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Thân thiện
retainer

A teenager wears a clear retainer at night.

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.
retainer

A teenager wears a clear retainer at night.

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

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