protraction

noun

pro·​trac·​tion prō-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce protraction (audio)
prə-
1
: the act of protracting : the state of being protracted
2
: the drawing to scale of an area of land

Examples of protraction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Serratus anterior: More laterally located within the chest wall, this muscle is responsible for scapular protraction (translation: pushing away from your body). Women's Health Editors, Women's Health, 14 June 2023 But all of these things are additional protraction of the litigation. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2022 Moreover, time continues to be of the essence as the protraction of the negotiations complicate the talks. Mostafa Salem, CNN, 10 Aug. 2022 The sculpture had become, after all these years, about the protraction of the human foot and the celestial head. New York Times, 26 Jan. 2022 The White House is preparing for President Trump’s impeachment trial to drag into next week amid fears that Senate rules and Democratic protractions will delay his acquittal. Rob Crilly, Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, "pulling forward, extension, delay," borrowed from Late Latin prōtractiōn-, prōtractiō "extension, lengthening, postponement," from Latin prōtrac-, variant stem of prōtrahere "to drag forward, draw or pull out, bring into the open, prolong, defer" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at protract

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of protraction was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near protraction

Cite this Entry

“Protraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protraction. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

protraction

noun
pro·​trac·​tion -ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce protraction (audio)
1
: the act of moving an anatomical part forward
2
: the state of being protracted
especially : protrusion of the jaws

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