retractile

[ ri-trak-til ]

See synonyms for retractile on Thesaurus.com

adjectiveZoology.

capable of being drawn back or in, as the head of a tortoise; exhibiting the power of retraction.

Origin of retractile

First recorded in 1770–80; retract¹ + -ile

Other words from retractile

re·trac·til·i·ty [ree-trak-til-i-tee], /ˌri trækˈtɪl ɪ ti/, noun
non·re·trac·tile, adjective
non·re·trac·til·i·ty, noun
sub·re·trac·tile, adjective

Words Nearby retractile

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use retractile in a sentence

Two globose retractile vesicles issue from the ninth and tenth segments of those of Arctia chrysorrhea, &c.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4) | William Kirby
A tubular ovipositor, consisting of several pieces often retractile within each other, like the tubes of a telescope.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4) | William Kirby
Once upon a time, many, many hundred years ago, the dog did use its claws; they were then retractile.
The Wonders of the Jungle, Book Two | Prince Sarath Ghosh
Although they resemble cats superficially they are not directly related to them and their claws are only partly retractile.
Camps and Trails in China | Roy Chapman Andrews and Yvette Borup Andrews
These small palps were probably retractile, and capable of being withdrawn entirely under the hood.
The Origin of Vertebrates | Walter Holbrook Gaskell

British Dictionary definitions for retractile

retractile

/ (rɪˈtræktaɪl) /

adjective

capable of being drawn in: the retractile claws of a cat

Derived forms of retractile

retractility (ˌriːtrækˈtɪlɪtɪ), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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