¹tract

noun, often capitalized \ˈtrakt\

Definition of TRACT

: verses of Scripture (as from the Psalms) used between the gradual and the Gospel at some masses (as during penitential seasons)

Origin of TRACT

Middle English tracte, from Medieval Latin tractus, from Latin, action of drawing, extension; perhaps from its being sung without a break by one voice

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with TRACT

act, backed, bract, cracked, fact, packed, pact, stacked, tact, tracked

²tract

noun

Definition of TRACT

: extent or lapse of time

: an area either large or small: as

a : an indefinite stretch of land

b : a defined area of land

a : a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function <the digestive tract>

b : a bundle of nerve fibers having a common origin, termination, and function

Origin of TRACT

Middle English tracte, from Latin tractus action of drawing, extension, from trahere to pull, draw

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

³tract

noun

Definition of TRACT

: a pamphlet or leaflet of political or religious propaganda; also : a piece of writing that is suggestive of such a tract

Origin of TRACT

Middle English, treatise, from Medieval Latin tractus, perhaps alteration of Latin tractatus tractate

First Known Use: 1760

TRACT Defined for Kids

¹tract

noun \ˈtrakt\

Definition of TRACT for Kids

: an indefinite stretch of land <a large tract of forest>

: a defined area of land <40 acre tracts>

: a system of body parts or organs that serve some special purpose <The kidneys and bladder are part of the urinary tract.>

²tract

noun

Definition of TRACT for Kids

: a pamphlet of political or religious ideas and beliefs

Medical Dictionary

tract

noun \ˈtrakt\

Medical Definition of TRACT

: a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function <the digestive tract>—see gastrointestinal tract, lower respiratory tract, upper respiratory tract

: a bundle of nerve fibers having a common origin, termination, and function and especially one within the spinal cord or brain—called also fiber tract; see corticospinal tract, olfactory tract, optic tract, spinothalamic tract; compare fasciculus b