retroflex

Also ret·ro·flexed

[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

In order to start the motor, one should ensure that the retroflex cam connecting rod is disengaged.

From Literature