Retroflexion

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌrɛtroʊˈflɛkʃən/

Definitions of retroflexion

noun the state of being retroflexed

Example Sentences

A1 Retroflexion is a term used in phonetics to describe the bending or curling back of the tip of the tongue.

A2 The retroflexion of the gymnast's body during the routine impressed the judges.

B1 The doctor explained that retroflexion of the uterus can sometimes cause discomfort during menstruation.

B2 In linguistics, retroflexion refers to a specific articulation of sounds produced by curling the tongue backwards.

C1 The singer's flawless retroflexion of the difficult consonant sound wowed the audience.

C2 The scientist's research on retroflexion in snakes led to groundbreaking discoveries in reptile anatomy.

Examples of retroflexion in a Sentence

formal The retroflexion of the vocal cords is necessary for producing certain sounds in some languages.

informal I learned about retroflexion in my linguistics class - it's pretty interesting!

slang I can't believe I pulled off that retroflexion move on my skateboard!

figurative The retroflexion of her thoughts led her to reconsider her decision.

Grammatical Forms of retroflexion

past tense

retroflexed

plural

retroflexions

comparative

more retroflexed

superlative

most retroflexed

present tense

retroflexes

future tense

will retroflex

perfect tense

has retroflexed

continuous tense

is retroflexing

singular

retroflexion

positive degree

retroflexion

infinitive

to retroflex

gerund

retroflexing

participle

retroflexed

Origin and Evolution of retroflexion

First Known Use: 1700 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'retroflexion' originates from Latin, with the prefix 'retro-' meaning 'backwards' and the word 'flexion' meaning 'bending'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in anatomical contexts to describe the bending or turning back of a part of the body, 'retroflexion' has evolved to also be used in a more general sense to describe the act of bending or turning backwards in various contexts.