tract

noun (1)

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\ ˈtrakt

Definition of tract

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function the digestive tract

b : a bundle of nerve fibers having a common origin, termination, and function

2 : an area either large or small: such as

a : an indefinite stretch of land

b : a defined area of land

3 : extent or lapse of time

tract

noun (2)

Definition of tract (Entry 2 of 3)

: a pamphlet or leaflet of political or religious propaganda also : a piece of writing that is suggestive of such a tract

tract

noun (3), often capitalized

Definition of tract (Entry 3 of 3)

: verses of Scripture (as from the Psalms) used between the gradual and the Gospel at some masses (as during penitential seasons)

History and Etymology for tract

Noun (1)

Middle English tracte, from Latin tractus action of drawing, extension, from trahere to pull, draw

Noun (2)

Middle English, treatise, from Medieval Latin tractus, perhaps alteration of Latin tractatus tractate

Noun (3)

Middle English tracte, from Medieval Latin tractus, from Latin, action of drawing, extension; perhaps from its being sung without a break by one voice

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Cite this Entry

“Tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tract. Accessed 23 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for tract

tract

noun

\ ˈtrakt

Kids Definition of tract

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an indefinite stretch of land a large tract of forest

2 : a defined area of land 40 acre tracts

3 : a system of body parts or organs that serve some special purpose The kidneys and bladder are part of the urinary tract.

tract

noun

Kids Definition of tract (Entry 2 of 2)

: a pamphlet of political or religious ideas and beliefs

tract

noun

\ ˈtrakt

Medical Definition of tract

1 : a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function the digestive tract — see gastrointestinal tract, lower respiratory tract, upper respiratory tract

2 : a bundle of nerve fibers having a common origin, termination, and function and especially one within the spinal cord or brain

— called also fiber tract

— see corticospinal tract, olfactory tract, optic tract, spinothalamic tract — compare fasciculus sense b