retroflex
|re-tro-flex|
/ˌrɛtrəˈflɛks/
tongue curled back
Etymology
'retroflex' originates from Latin: the prefix 'retro-' meaning 'backward' and the root 'flectere'/'flex-' meaning 'to bend'.
'retroflex' derives from Neo-Latin 'retroflexus' (past participle of a compound like 'retroflectere'), used in anatomical and later phonetic descriptions, and was adopted into English in the 19th century as 'retroflex'.
Initially it meant 'bent backward' in a general or anatomical sense; over time it acquired the specialized phonetic sense of 'having the tongue curled back' and is now chiefly used in linguistics and anatomy.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a retroflex consonant or sound produced with the tongue tip curled back toward the palate.
The retroflex /ʈ/ is common in several South Asian languages.
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Adjective 1
bent or curved backward; directed or turned toward the rear (used in anatomy and general description).
The gynecologist noted that the patient's uterus was retroflex.
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Last updated: 2026/01/03 14:53