the act of retracting, or drawing back; the state of being retracted; as, the retraction of a cat's claws.-the act of withdrawing something advanced, stated, claimed, or done; declaration of change of opinion; recantation.-the act of retracting or shortening; as, the retraction of a severed muscle; the retraction of a sinew.-the state or condition of a part when drawn back, or towards the center of the body.