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Glite Dictionary
nonretractile

nonretractile

9.9
Cannot be pulled back into a covering, for example claws that stay out
  • adjective
  • /ˌnɒn.rɪˈtræk.taɪl/
translation icon : no retráctil
  • The claws of the cheetah are nonretractile, unlike those of most other cats.

Examples

  • Some insects have nonretractile mouthparts designed for constant feeding.

  • Some species of birds have nonretractile talons.

  • A nonretractile foreskin may require medical treatment in some cases.

  • The nonretractile claws of the cat allow it to climb easily.

  • Some insects have nonretractile mouthparts designed for constant feeding.

  • The claws of the cheetah are nonretractile, unlike those of most other cats.

  • A nonretractile foreskin may require medical treatment in some cases.

Synonyms

nonretractable
vsnonretractile
7.9

Not able to be pulled back after you pull it out

is identical in meaning but uses a different adjective ending -ile

Antonyms

retractile
  • Specialized
8.7

That can be pulled back into the body or a protective covering

How Retractable

retractile
  • Specialized
8.7
nonretractile
9.9
fixed
1.8

Surface Forms

nonretractile positive

Morphology

nonretractile = retractile (transparent) = non + retract + ile

The word is formed by adding the productive negative prefix 'non-' to 'retractile' (capable of being retracted), so the meaning 'not capable of being retracted' is directly composed.

Etymology

The word nonretractile breaks into three parts: non- 'not', re- 'back' and tract 'pull', as in tractor. So nonretractile means 'not able to be pulled back', which is why it describes something, like a claw or a foreskin, that cannot be drawn back.