retroflex
9.3
Bent backward, like a claw or a leaf
- adjective
- /ˈrɛtroʊflɛks/
:
recurvado
- The upper aerodigestive passage is significantly narrowed by the retroflex epiglottis, whose edges actually touch the posterior pharyngeal wall (white arrow).
Examples
-
During the dental exam, the dentist noted the retroflex curve of the patient's uvula.
-
In yoga, a retroflex posture can help improve flexibility and balance.
-
The retroflex position of the spoon made it easier to sip the soup without spilling.
Synonyms
1
9.2
Bent backward, like a leaf or petal
is bent back but applies generally rather than only organs
recurved
vsretroflex
1
7.4
With a tip that bends backward or inward
is curved back and emphasizes turning back upon itself
backswept
vsretroflex
1
7.4
Angled to point toward the back rather than forward
focuses on being turned back upon itself rather than just angling backward
9.8
A body part that is bent backward, for example a tongue or uterus
has identical meaning but is the base adjective form
How Curved
Surface Forms
retroflex positive
Morphology
Etymology
Retroflex comes from the Latin parts retro- 'back' and -flex 'to bend', similar to flexible. So retroflex describes something that is bent or turned backward, like a leaf or claw that curves back.