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retroflexed

retroflexed

9.8
A body part that is bent backward, for example a tongue or uterus
  • adjective
  • /ˈrɛtroʊflɛkst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : retroflexo
  • The doctor noted that the patient's uterus was retroflexed during the examination.

Examples

  • Some reptiles have a retroflexed tongue, allowing them to capture prey more effectively.

  • The patient's retroflexed tongue made it difficult to speak clearly.

  • In rare cases, the tip of the nose may appear retroflexed after certain surgical procedures.

  • Her retroflexed fingers indicated a previous injury.

  • In rare cases, the tip of the nose may appear retroflexed after certain surgical procedures.

  • The doctor noted that the patient's uterus was retroflexed during the examination.

  • Some reptiles have a retroflexed tongue, allowing them to capture prey more effectively.

Synonyms

retroverted
vsretroflexed
  • Specialized
1 9.2

Bent backward, like a leaf or petal

focuses on backward curvature rather than simple tilting
retroflex
vsretroflexed
9.3

Bent backward, like a claw or a leaf

is the same meaning but appears as the past participle form
retrorse
vsretroflexed
  • Specialized
9.9

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

emphasizes backward bend only not downward extension
backswept
vsretroflexed
7.4

Angled to point toward the back rather than forward

is about backward curving of body parts rather than simple angle
revolute
vsretroflexed
  • Specialized
9.9

Edges rolled back on thin material like paper or cloth

is about bending whole parts not just rolled edge detail

How Bent

fold
84 2.4
retroflexed
  • Specialized
9.8
bent
21 1.0
curved
6 1.0
straight
1.0

Surface Forms

retroflexed positive

Morphology

retroflexed = retroflex (transparent) = retro + flex + ed

The components 'retro-' (backward) and 'flex' (to bend) directly yield the meaning 'bent backward', and '-ed' forms the adjectival/past participle.

Etymology

Retroflexed comes from the parts retro- ('back') and -flex ('bend'), and the same flex is in flexible. So, something retroflexed is bent backward, like a tongue or other body part turned toward the back.