tract

noun \ ˈtrakt \

Definition of tract

1 a : 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

Origin and Etymology of tract

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3

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tract

noun

Definition of tract

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

Origin and Etymology of tract

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1760

in the meaning defined above

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

tract

noun, often capitalized

Definition of tract

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

Origin and Etymology of tract

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

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TRACT Defined for Kids

tract

noun \ ˈtrakt \

Definition of tract for Students

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

Definition of tract for Students

: a pamphlet of political or religious ideas and beliefs

Medical Dictionary

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 b