tractile

[ trak-til, -tahyl ]

adjective

1. capable of being drawn out in length; ductile.
2. capable of being drawn.

tractile

/ ˈtræktaɪl; trækˈtɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. capable of being drawn out; ductile

Derived Forms

• tractility, noun

Other Words From

• trac·til·i·ty [trak-, til, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tractile¹

1620–30; < Latin tract ( us ) ( traction ) + -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of tractile¹

C17: from Latin trahere to drag

Example Sentences

The polyphonic narrative structure feels suitable for a novel that draws heavily on musical composition, particularly Bach’s fugues, which Wasserman adeptly uses to illustrate the tractile nature of memory.

From New York Times

In the dog, the claws are not tractile.

From Project Gutenberg

It will of its own accord dispose itself as an inclined plane, and receiving obliquely the reaction of the air, it transfers into tractile force a part of the vertical impulsion it has received.

From Project Gutenberg

The error in question is, that hard-surfaced wheels will not bite on a moderately rough surface, sufficiently to give an efficient tractile power.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adaptable
• flexible
• supple
• workable