noun
protraction
The movement or extension of a body part forward.
Protraction of the jaw moves the lower teeth forward.
Etymology
The Latin components mean drawing forward. Anatomy uses protraction for a body part's forward movement or extension from its previous position.
More examples
- Reaching forward involves protraction of the shoulder blades.
- The therapist checks jaw protraction during the exam.
- The exercise includes slow, controlled protractions of the shoulder blades.
Forms
protraction · protractions
protract verb — To move a body part forward.
Similar words
- extension
- Often means straightening a joint rather than moving forward.
- protrusion
- Emphasizes projecting outward, not specifically moving a body part forward.