— protractedly , adv. — protractedness , n. — protractible , adj. — protractive , adj.
/proh trakt", preuh-/ , v.t.
1. to draw out or lengthen, esp. in time; extend the duration of; prolong.
2. Anat. to extend or protrude.
3. (in surveying, mathematics, etc.) to plot and draw (lines) with a scale and a protractor.
[ 1540-50; protractus (ptp. of protrahere to draw forth, prolong). See PRO- 1 , TRACT 1 ]
Syn. 1. continue. See lengthen .
Ant. 1. curtail.