protraction

American  

[proh-trak-shuhn, pruh-] / proʊˈtræk ʃən, prə- /

noun

1. the act of protracting; prolongation; extension.

2. protrusion.

3. something that is protracted.

4. a drawing or rendering to scale.

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protraction British  

/ prəˈtrækʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of protracting

2. the state or condition of being protracted

3. a prolongation or protrusion

4. an extension of something in time or space

5. something that is extended in time or space

6. the irregular lengthening of a syllable that is usually short

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Other Word Forms

• nonprotraction noun
• overprotraction noun

Etymology

Origin of protraction

1525–35; < Late Latin prōtractiōn- (stem of prōtractiō ) prolongation. See protract, -ion

Example Sentences

They can also be used to prevent “the expansion and protraction of a war,” the law says, according to the state media report.

From New York Times • Sep. 9, 2022

The sculpture had become, after all these years, about the protraction of the human foot and the celestial head.

From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2022

In Kafka’s The Trial, Josef K.’s lawyer gives him the option of filing for a Verschleppung, or  protraction.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2014

For the mandible, protraction occurs when the lower jaw is pushed forward, to stick out the chin, while retraction pulls the lower jaw backward.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

But I had no fancy for such an expedient, a mere protraction of the agony.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 62, No. 384, October 1847 by Various