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contractility

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kənˈtræktɪlɪti/

KK: /kɒnˈtræktɪlɪti/

noun
Definition

The ability of a muscle to shorten or tighten, which is important for the heart's function and movement.


Example

The contractility of the heart is crucial for pumping blood effectively throughout the body.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about contractility in heart health?
Sloth B
Yeah, I learned that it refers to how well the heart can pump blood.
Sloth A
Right! It's interesting how it affects overall fitness levels.
Sloth B
Definitely, improving contractility can really make a difference in performance.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
contraction
tightening
shortening
Antonyms
relaxation
expansion
dilation
Root Explanation

Contractility → It is formed from "contract" (from Latin "contractus", meaning drawn together) and "-ility" (a suffix indicating the quality of). The word "contractility" refers to the quality of being able to contract or draw together.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'contract' meaning to 'draw together' and the suffix '-ility' indicating a quality. This helps you remember that 'contractility' is about the ability to draw together.

Visually Confused Words
tractility
counteractivity
protractility
nonprotractility
tactility
untractability
intractability
construability
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