protractile

American  

[proh-trak-til, -tahyl, pruh-] / proʊˈtræk tɪl, -taɪl, prə- /

adjective

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

---

protractile British  

/ prəˈtræktaɪl /

adjective

1. able to be extended or protruded

   protractile muscle

---

Other Word Forms

• protractility
  noun
• nonprotractile
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of protractile

First recorded in 1820–30; protract + -ile

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

protractile

The intermaxillaries are moderately protractile, and curve a little downwards.

From Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1. With an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored and Surveyed During The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, in the Years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. By Command of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Also a Narrative Of Captain Owen Stanley's Visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. by Stokes, John Lort

Protrud′able, Protru′sile, protractile; Protru′sible, able to be protruded.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

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

From Discoveries in Australia, Volume 1. With an Account of the Coasts and Rivers Explored and Surveyed During The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, in the Years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. By Command of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Also a Narrative Of Captain Owen Stanley's Visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. by Stokes, John Lort