retraction

retraction definition - medical

re·trac·tion (rĭ-trăkˈshən)

noun
  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.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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