| contra- | Opposed, against. See: counter-. Compare: anti-. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| contra-angle | 1. One of the double or triple angles in the shank of an instrument by means of which the cutting edge or point is brought into the axis of the handle. 2. An extension piece added to the end of a dental handpiece which, through a set of bevel gears, changes the angle of the axis of rotation of the bur in relation to the axis of the handpiece. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contra-aperture | A second opening made at the dependent part of an abscess or other cavity containing fluid, which is not draining satisfactorily through an opening previously made. Synonym: contra-aperture, counterpuncture. (05 Mar 2000) |