supine

²su·pine

adj
\su̇-ˈpīn, attributive also ˈsü-ˌpīn\

Definition of SUPINE

1

a : lying on the back or with the face upward b : marked by supination

2

: exhibiting indolent or apathetic inertia or passivity; especially : mentally or morally slack

3

archaic : leaning or sloping backward

— su·pine·ly \su̇-ˈpīn-lē\ adverb

— su·pine·ness \-ˈpīn-nəs\ noun

Examples of SUPINE

1. He was lying supine on the couch.
2. a supine legislature that is afraid to take action

Origin of SUPINE

Middle English suppyne, from Latin supinus; akin to Latin sub under, up to — more at up

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, thoracic, ventral