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

Other Word Forms

• retrorsely 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

Forms occur with the barbs of the awns spreading or retrorse, hybrids with Bidens frondosa or other species.

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Stem villous with retrorse hairs; leaflets usually longer than 5 cm.

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