contracture

noun

con·​trac·​ture kən-ˈtrak-chər 

: a permanent shortening (as of muscle, tendon, or scar tissue) producing deformity or distortion

Examples of contracture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The above symptoms may lead to further complications, such as falls, contractures (frozen joints), and foot drop, which causes a person to drag their foot or toes when walking. —Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024

My hands are also disfigured from Dupuytren’s contracture. —David Bonior, Washington Post, 8 July 2024

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Dupuytren's contracture is believed to be hereditary with an exact cause unknown. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024

Potential complications include asymmetry, contracture (a tightening of the tissues that can hinder movement), and minor scarring within the lip—all of which occur infrequently, according to our experts. —Jolene Edgar, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin contractūra, going back to Late Latin, "contraction of a muscle," going back to Latin, "narrowing of the girth of a column toward the top," from contractus, past participle of contrahere "to draw together, reduce in size" + -ūra -ure — more at contract entry 2

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing contracture

• capsular contracture

Medical Definition

contracture

noun

con·​trac·​ture kən-ˈtrak-chər 

: a permanent shortening (as of muscle, tendon, or scar tissue) producing deformity or distortion see dupuytren's contracture