corrugator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Anatomical/Industrial
Quick answer
What does “corrugator” mean?
A muscle or tool that causes something to form wrinkles, ridges, or folds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A muscle or tool that causes something to form wrinkles, ridges, or folds.
Primarily refers to the corrugator supercilii muscle in the face, which draws the eyebrow downward and inward, producing vertical furrows above the nose (frowning). Also refers to a machine or tool for making corrugated materials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it primarily in technical contexts. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, slightly higher in medical, anatomical, and manufacturing texts. Equal rarity in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “corrugator” in a Sentence
the + corrugator + of + [body part/material]botulinum toxin + injected into + the corrugatorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corrugator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The machine is designed to corrugate sheet metal for structural strength.
American English
- The contractor will corrugate the roofing panels on site.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Corrugatedly' is non-existent.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- The corrugated iron roof rusted after years of coastal weather.
American English
- We need more corrugated cardboard for shipping these packages.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in manufacturing contexts referring to machinery for making corrugated cardboard or metal.
Academic
Common in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and plastic surgery literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in anatomy for the specific muscle, and in industrial engineering for corrugating machines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corrugator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corrugator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corrugator”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'frown' (noun/verb).
- Mispronouncing with stress on the third syllable (e.g., corruGAtor). Correct stress is on the first syllable.
- Confusing 'corrugator' (noun) with 'corrugated' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in medical/anatomical and industrial manufacturing contexts.
No, that would be a non-standard, metaphorical extension. The correct term for a person is simply 'someone who frowns'.
Both are facial muscles involved in frowning. The corrugator supercilii draws the eyebrow downward and inward, creating vertical lines. The procerus pulls the skin between the eyebrows downward, creating horizontal lines across the bridge of the nose.
Yes, the related verb is 'to corrugate', meaning to form into wrinkles, folds, or ridges. The noun 'corrugator' is the agent (muscle or machine) that performs this action.
A muscle or tool that causes something to form wrinkles, ridges, or folds.
Corrugator is usually technical/anatomical/industrial in register.
Corrugator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒr.ə.ɡeɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.ə.ɡeɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CORRUGated iron has ridges; a CORRUGator creates ridges on your brow when you frown.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FACE IS A LANDSCAPE OF EMOTION (with the corrugator creating the 'furrows' of concern or anger).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'corrugator' LEAST likely to be used?