protractile

[proh-trak-til, -tahyl, pruh-]

adjective

1. capable of being protracted, lengthened, or protruded.

protractile

/ prəˈtræktaɪl /

adjective

1. able to be extended or protruded

   protractile muscle

Other Word Forms

• protractility noun
• nonprotractile adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of protractile¹

First recorded in 1820–30; protract + -ile

Example Sentences

The intermaxillaries are moderately protractile, but the lower jaw, when depressed, projects still further forward.

From Project Gutenberg