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View synonyms for retractile

retractile

[ ri-trak-til ]

adjective

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


retractile

/ rɪˈtræktaɪl; ˌriːtrækˈtɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. capable of being drawn in

    the retractile claws of a cat

“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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Derived Forms

  • retractility, noun
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Other Words From

  • re·trac·til·i·ty [ree-trak-, til, -i-tee], noun
  • nonre·tractile adjective
  • nonre·trac·tili·ty noun
  • subre·tractile adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of retractile1

First recorded in 1770–80; retract 1 + -ile
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Example Sentences

Two globose retractile vesicles issue from the ninth and tenth segments of those of Arctia chrysorrhea, &c.

A tubular ovipositor, consisting of several pieces often retractile within each other, like the tubes of a telescope.

Once upon a time, many, many hundred years ago, the dog did use its claws; they were then retractile.

Although they resemble cats superficially they are not directly related to them and their claws are only partly retractile.

These small palps were probably retractile, and capable of being withdrawn entirely under the hood.

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retractretraction