retroflex

[ re-truh-fleks ]

adjective

1. bent backward; exhibiting retroflexion.
2. Phonetics. articulated with the tip of the tongue curled upward and back against or near the juncture of the hard and soft palates; cacuminal; cerebral; coronal.

retroflex

/ ˈrɛtrəʊˌflɛks /

adjective

1. bent or curved backwards
2. phonetics of, relating to, or involving retroflexion

Word History and Origins

Origin of retroflex¹

First recorded in 1910–15, retroflex is from the Latin word retrōflexus (past participle of retrōflectere to bend back). See retro-, flex ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of retroflex¹

C18: from Latin retrōflexus , from retrōflectere , from retro- + flectere to bend

Example Sentences

The retroflex sibilant is transliterated sh; this was unchanged.

From Project Gutenberg

This curve shows a point of maximum temperature at F1, and a retroflex portion F1G1.

From Project Gutenberg

This curve also shows a point of maximum temperature (F) and a retroflex portion.

From Project Gutenberg