protraction

Dictionary: pro·trac·tion   (prō-trăk'shən, prə-)

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1. 1. The act of protracting.
   2. The state of being protracted.
2. Linguistics. The irregular lengthening of a normally short syllable.

noun

The act of making something longer or the condition of being made longer: elongation, extension, prolongation. See long/short.

A condition in which teeth or other maxillary or mandibular structures are situated anterior to their normal position.

Extension of teeth or other maxillary or mandibular structures into a position anterior to the normal position.

The noun has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: the consequence of being lengthened in duration
  Synonyms: lengthiness, prolongation, continuation

Meaning #2: the act of prolonging something
  Synonyms: prolongation, perpetuation, lengthening