Retraction /(rē̇*trāk"shŭn)/

Re·trac·tion

Retraction

n.
  1. The act of retracting, or drawing back; the state of being retracted; as, the retraction of a cat's claws.
  2. The act of withdrawing something advanced, stated, claimed, or done; declaration of change of opinion; recantation.
    Other men's insatiable desire of revenge hath wholly beguiled both church and state of the benefit of all my either retractions or concessions.
    — Eikon Basilike.
  3. The act of retracting or shortening; as, the retraction of a severed muscle; the retraction of a sinew. (Physiol.)