re·trac·tile \rə̇.ˈtraktəl\adjective Etymology:retract + -ile : capable of, or exhibiting retraction : capable of being drawn back or in < the claws of a cat are retractile > < a retractile spring > — compare protractile • re·trac·til·i·ty\ˌrē.ˌtrakˈtiləd.ē\noun-es