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
9.8
A body part that is bent backward, for example a tongue or uterus
has identical meaning but is the base adjective form
recurved
vsretroflex
7.4
With a tip that bends backward or inward
is curved back and emphasizes turning back upon itself
backswept
vsretroflex
7.4
Angled to point toward the back rather than forward
focuses on being turned back upon itself rather than just angling backward
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.