retrorse

[ ri-trawrs, ree-trawrs ]

adjective

1. turned backward.

retrorse

/ rɪˈtrɔːs /

adjective

1. (esp of plant parts) pointing backwards or in a direction opposite to normal

Derived Forms

• reˈtrorsely, adverb

Other Words From

• re·trorsely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrorse¹

1815–25; < Latin retrōrsus, contracted form of retrōversus bent backward, equivalent to retrō- retro- + versus (past participle of vertere to turn); retroversion

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrorse¹

C19: from Latin retrōrsus , shortened form of retrōversus turned back, from retro- + vertere to turn

Example Sentences

The dorsal fin has a large spine with retrorse serrations behind.

From Project Gutenberg