retractile

adjective

re·​trac·​tile ri-ˈtrak-tᵊl How to pronounce retractile (audio)
-ˌtī(-ə)l
: capable of being drawn back or in
retractile claws
retractility noun

Examples of retractile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The large sleek lions hunt alone, ambushing their prey with their curved retractile claws from behind and killing with a bite to the skull. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 The retractile left nipple settled on a ford in the river, a rhythmically burbling ford which was then swiftly crossed by all the people trapped by the swelling River Sipí, to reach the exuberance of a jungle which offered itself, overwhelming but safe. Lawrence Jackson, Harper's Magazine, 10 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retractile was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near retractile

Cite this Entry

“Retractile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retractile. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

retractile

adjective
re·​trac·​tile ri-ˈtrak-tᵊl How to pronounce retractile (audio)
-ˌtīl
: capable of being drawn back or in
the retractile claws of a cat

Medical Definition

retractile

adjective
re·​trac·​tile ri-ˈtrak-tᵊl How to pronounce retractile (audio) -ˌtīl How to pronounce retractile (audio)
: capable of being drawn back or in
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