retraction

retraction /re·trac·tion/ (-trak´shun) the act of drawing back, or condition of being drawn back.

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clot retraction  the drawing away of a blood clot from the wall of a vessel, a stage of wound healing caused by contraction of platelets.

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re·trac·tion (r-trkshn)

n.

1. The act of drawing back or in; shrinking.

2. The act of pulling apart, usually as part of a surgical procedure.

3. The posterior movement of teeth, usually with the aid of an orthodontic appliance.

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retraction

[ritrak′shən]

Etymology: L, retractare, to draw back

1 the displacement of tissues to expose a part or structure of the body.

2 a distal movement of the teeth.

3 a distal or retrusive position of the teeth, dental arch, or jaw.

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retraction,

n posterior movement, removal, or pulling away.

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retraction,

n 1. a drawing or shrinking back; the laying back of tissues to expose a given part.
n 2. distal movement of teeth; a distal or retrusive position of the teeth, dental arch, or jaw.

retraction, gingival,

n laying back of the free gingival tissue to expose the gingival margin area of a preparation by mechanical, chemical, or electrical means.

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retraction

the act of drawing back, or condition of being drawn back.

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clot retraction

see clot retraction.

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retraction

Internal medicine A hollowing of tissue in the neck and intercostal spaces due to negative intrathoracic pressure, a classic sign of severe asthma. See Asthma Surgery The drawing of tissues away from a particular site to open an operative field.