retractile

[ri-trak-til] / rɪˈtræk tɪl /

NOUN

claw

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fingernail paw tentacle

STRONG

barb clapperclaw fang grapnel grappler hook manus nipper pincer spur talon unguis

WEAK

cant hook nail claw ungula

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The genital and anal somites are not retractile within the last leg-bearing somite, and the gonopods typically persist in the male as small two-jointed appendages and in the female as jointed or unjointed sclerites.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various

The fore-feet have five toes, the hind-feet four or five; the claws are strong, blunt, and formed for digging, and are not retractile.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various

Mantle oval, covering the head and the greater part of the body; anterior tentacles, ill-developed; branchiae generally retractile.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5 "Gassendi, Pierre" to "Geocentric" by Various

The arteries are highly elastic, being extensile and retractile both in length and breadth.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.

Tentacular arms long, not retractile; resisting apparatus well developed.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various