Definition

Able to be extended or stretched out, often referring to limbs or claws that can be lengthened.

Example

The protractile limbs of the animal allow it to reach food that is far away.

Conversation

Did you see that animal with the protractile tongue at the zoo?

Yeah, it was so fascinating to watch how it caught its food!

I can't believe how protractile some creatures can be; it’s like they have superpowers.

Right? Nature is full of amazing adaptations like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Protractile → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning forward) and "tractilis" (from "tractus", meaning to draw or pull). The word describes something that can be drawn out or extended forward.

Memory Tip

Think of something that can be 'pulled forward' — 'pro-' means forward, and 'tractilis' relates to drawing or pulling.

Visually Confused Words