protectores

Protectores is the plural form of protector in Spanish and refers to objects, devices, or garments designed to provide protection from harm, damage, or environmental exposure. The term is broad and its exact meaning depends on the context, reflecting the function of shielding people, equipment, or goods.

Common uses of protectores include personal protective equipment (PPE) used in workplaces and sports. Examples include protectores auditivos (ear protection), gafas o protectores para los ojos (eye protection), cascos, guantes, y protectores bucales (mouthguards). In sports, protectores de espinilla (shin guards), coderas (elbow pads), y rodilleras (knee protectors) are worn to guard against injuries. In electronics and infrastructure, protectores pueden referirse a dispositivos de protección such as protectores contra sobretensiones (surge protectors) and housings or guards that shield cables and components from damage. In horticulture, protectores de plantas are used to shield seedlings or crops from cold, pests, or sun exposure.

Usage can vary by región and field. Some contexts prefer terms like protecciones or dispositivos de protección, but protectores remains common when referring to gear worn on the body or devices that provide a physical shield. The term also appears in broader discussions of safety and risk management, where protectores function as a general category of items intended to reduce injury, loss, or deterioration.