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recurved

recurved

7.4
With a tip that bends backward or inward
  • adjective
  • /rɪˈkɜrvd/
translation icon : recurvado
  • Some antelope species have recurved horns, which help them in fighting for territory.

Examples

  • The bird's beak is recurved, allowing it to extract insects from tree bark.

  • The flower's petals are recurved gracefully at the tips.

  • The bow had a recurved design for better accuracy.

  • She admired the recurved shape of the sculpture.

  • Some antelope species have recurved horns, which help them in fighting for territory.

  • The bird's beak is recurved, allowing it to extract insects from tree bark.

  • The flower's petals are recurved gracefully at the tips.

Synonyms

recurvate
vsrecurved
  • Specialized
9.9

Bends backward or inward at the tip

is the identical form and meaning rather than a different sense
retroflex
vsrecurved
9.3

Bent backward, like a claw or a leaf

is similar but may not imply a fold back upon itself
retroflexed
vsrecurved
  • Specialized
9.8

A body part that is bent backward, for example a tongue or uterus

is broader, covering backward or inward curves beyond bodily parts
retrorse
vsrecurved
  • Specialized
9.9

Bent so it points backward or downward, like hairs on some plants

is focused on backward or inward only, not downward direction
incurvate
vsrecurved
9.9

Curved inward so a surface or edge bends toward the center

is narrower, applying to inward curvature rather than backward bending
incurved
vsrecurved
7.6

Curving inward at the edges like a bowl rim

is the same inward sense but not implying backward curvature
backswept
vsrecurved
7.4

Angled to point toward the back rather than forward

is different because it can also mean inward curvature, not only backward angle

Antonyms

442 1.0

In a direct line without curves or bends

How Curved

reflexed
  • Specialized
9.1
recurved
7.4
curved
6 1.0
bent
21 1.0
straight
442 1.0

Surface Forms

recurved positive

Morphology

recurved = recurve (semi-transparent) = re + curve + ed

The adjective is a straightforward participial formation from the verb 'recurve'.

Etymology

Recurved is made of the prefix re- meaning 'back' and curve meaning 'bend'. So, something recurved is 'bent back' or inward, like a horn or petal that curves the other way.