retrorse

9.9

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

adjective
/rɪˈtrɔrs/

Specialized

: retrógrado

The seed capsule is covered with retrorse hairs that point downward.

Examples

Some plants have retrorse spines to help them cling to animal fur.
The biologist noted the presence of retrorse barbs on the leaves.
The retrorse leaves of the plant give it a unique appearance.
Some species have retrorse bristles that help them cling to surfaces.
Some plants have retrorse barbs that allow them to hook onto passing animals.
The seed pods feature retrorse projections that help them attach to the ground.
The retrorse hairs on this cactus make it difficult to pull out without getting hurt.

Synonyms

retroverted

vsretrorse

Specialized

1 9.2

Bent backward, like a leaf or petal

bends backward and often slopes downward

backswept

vsretrorse

1 7.4

Angled to point toward the back rather than forward

bends backward and often also slopes downward

retroflex

vsretrorse

9.3

Bent backward, like a claw or a leaf

bends backward and often also slopes downward

retroflexed

vsretrorse

Specialized

9.8

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

bends backward and often points or curves downward

revolute

vsretrorse

Specialized

9.9

Edges rolled back on thin material like paper or cloth

bends backward rather than forming rolled or inward edges

Antonyms

antrorse

Specialized

9.9

A plant part that is bent forward or upward toward its tip

How Curved

hooked

7 3.3

retrorse

Specialized

9.9

curved

50 1.0

straight

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

retrorse positive

Etymology

Retrorse comes from the parts re- meaning 'back' and a root meaning 'turn', as you see in words like reverse and rotate. So retrorse describes a part that is bent or pointing backward or downward.