Tract: meaning, definitions and examples

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tract

 

[trækt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

land

A large stretch of land, typically used for agriculture or development.

Synonyms

area, parcel, plot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tract

Used to describe a large area of land, often with a specific purpose or characteristic. This term is often used in real estate or agriculture.

  • The company purchased a vast tract of land for the new industrial park.
  • Farmers are concerned about the tract of forestland being cleared for development.
plot

Typically used to describe a small, defined piece of land, often for the purpose of building a house or for gardening. This word carries a more specific and smaller-scale implication compared to 'tract' or 'area'.

  • They purchased a plot of land to build their dream home.
  • The community garden is divided into individual plots where residents can grow their own vegetables.
parcel

Often refers to a specific, usually smaller, portion of land that is part of a larger tract, which is being sold, bought, or developed. The term can also refer to a package being sent or received.

  • She inherited a small parcel of land from her grandparents.
  • We bought several parcels of land to expand our farm.
area

A general term for any portion or region of space, usually defined or designated for a particular purpose or within certain boundaries. This word is versatile and can be used in many different contexts.

  • They are developing a new residential area in the northern part of the city.
  • Please stay within the designated area during the concert.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer owned a vast tract of land in the countryside.
  • The company purchased a tract of land to build a new office complex.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A system of organs and tissues that are interconnected and function together for a specific purpose.

Synonyms

channel, pathway, system.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tract

Often relates to large areas of land or digestive and nervous body systems.

  • The real estate agent is selling a large tract of land near the river.
  • The digestive tract involves several organs that help break down food.
system

Describes a set of interacting components, often used in technical, biological, or organizational contexts.

  • The solar system includes eight planets orbiting the sun.
  • The company's new software system improves efficiency in the workplace.
channel

Used for physical or communication pathways, especially in water or media.

  • The river carved a deep channel through the valley.
  • They launched a new television channel focused on science fiction.
pathway

Refers to physical paths or routes, often used metaphorically to describe steps or stages in processes.

  • The garden has a beautiful stone pathway leading to the fountain.
  • Education can provide a pathway to a better future.

Examples of usage

  • The digestive tract is responsible for processing food and absorbing nutrients.
  • The respiratory tract includes the lungs and airways.
Context #3 | Verb

communication

To speak or write about a particular topic in a detailed and elaborate manner.

Synonyms

describe, elaborate, expound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tract

Used in a biological, medical, or geographical context to refer to a large area of land or an anatomical structure. This word isn't used frequently in everyday conversation.

  • The Amazon rainforest is an enormous tract of land in South America.
  • The digestive tract is a crucial part of the body.
elaborate

Used when adding more details or information to something that has been said, often to clarify or expand on a point. Adds depth to the explanation.

  • Please elaborate on your plan for the project.
  • He elaborated his argument during the meeting.
describe

Used when providing a detailed account or representation of something, often in everyday situations or storytelling.

  • Can you describe the person you saw?
  • She tried to describe the beauty of the sunset.
expound

Used in more formal or academic contexts to give a detailed and comprehensive explanation of a subject or theory.

  • The professor expounded on the principles of quantum mechanics.
  • She expounded her views on the current political situation.

Examples of usage

  • She would often tract her experiences in a journal.
  • The professor tracted the history of the region in his lecture.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'tractus', meaning 'to pull or draw', relating to how land can be drawn out or extended.
  • It has been used in the English language since the 14th century, originally referring to a stretch of land.

Religion

  • In religious contexts, tracts are often small booklets designed to share messages or teachings.
  • During the 19th century, tracts became popular among various movements, particularly in spreading Christian teachings.

Geography

  • In environmental discussions, a tract can refer to large areas of wilderness that are important for conservation.
  • Some regions are managed as tracts of land to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats.

Government and Law

  • Land tracts are often measured in acres or hectares, and ownership can be a subject of legal disputes.
  • Governments might designate certain tracts for development, agriculture, or conservation, impacting local communities.

Science

  • In biology, the term can refer to a continuous area or series of pathways, such as a neural tract in the brain.
  • Studies might analyze tracts of forest or wetlands to understand ecological systems and biodiversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "tract" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trato

🇮🇳 समझौता

🇩🇪 Vertrag

🇮🇩 kontrak

🇺🇦 договір

🇵🇱 umowa

🇯🇵 契約 (けいやく)

🇫🇷 contrat

🇪🇸 contrato

🇹🇷 sözleşme

🇰🇷 계약 (gyeyak)

🇸🇦 عقد

🇨🇿 smlouva

🇸🇰 zmluva

🇨🇳 合同 (hétóng)

🇸🇮 pogodba

🇮🇸 samningur

🇰🇿 келісімшарт

🇬🇪 კონტრაქტი

🇦🇿 müqavilə

🇲🇽 contrato

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,317, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.