contractile
adjective
con·trac·tile
kən-ˈtrak-tᵊl 
-ˌtī(-ə)l
: having or concerned with the power or property of contracting
contractile proteins of muscle fibrils
Examples of contractile in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy is an increase in muscle size due to an increase in sarcoplasm, the non-contractile material in muscle cells.
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022
Sacromeres are made up of fibers called contractile proteins.
—Alexa Tucker, SELF, 19 Aug. 2018
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022
Sacromeres are made up of fibers called contractile proteins.
—Alexa Tucker, SELF, 19 Aug. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contractile.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1706, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing contractile
Dictionary Entries Near contractile
Cite this Entry
“Contractile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contractile. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.
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Kids Definition
contractile
adjective
con·trac·tile
kən-ˈtrak-tᵊl
-ˌtīl
: having the power or property of contracting
a contractile cell
a contractile fiber
Medical Definition
contractile
adjective
con·trac·tile
kən-ˈtrak-tᵊl, -ˌtīl
: having or concerned with the power or property of contracting
contractile proteins of muscle fibrils
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