flexion

noun

flex·​ion ˈflek-shən How to pronounce flexion (audio)
1
: the act of flexing or bending
2
: a part bent : bend
3
4
a
: a bending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare extension sense 3b
b
: a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint

Examples of flexion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is a highly durable shoe built with Gore-tex Surround, which lets the membrane adapt to the flexion and contours of the footwear. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2024 The subtle drop allows for a slight heel elevation to take stress off of the lower legs and increase knee flexion in the toe-off. Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2024 This confirmed that greater knee and elbow flexion, and lower elbow placement were critical factors. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 1 Jan. 2024 The boot has toothy lugs built into the base for traction, and the flexion of the boot allows your full footstrike to benefit from the grip. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2024 Samuel notes that the lower back plays a big role in acceleration (the speeding up) and the deceleration (the slowing down) of the flexion and extension of our hips and spine. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 23 Aug. 2023 Strong hip flexion allows for that proper high knee position that translates to a longer stride. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 1 Sep. 2023 The athlete then advised people to work on their range of motion by doing full flexion and extension every day. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 9 Oct. 2023 Reverse Lunge into High Knee 3 sets of 6 to 8 reps each side This exercise primes us for the progression of power generation off the ground into hip flexion. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 1 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flexion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin flexiōn-, flexiō "act of bending or curving," from flectere "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve" (of uncertain origin) + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flexion was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near flexion

Cite this Entry

“Flexion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flexion

noun
flex·​ion ˈflek-shən How to pronounce flexion (audio)
: a bending movement around a joint (as the knee or elbow) in an arm or leg that lessens the angle between bones of the arm or leg at the joint
also : the resulting state

Medical Definition

flexion

noun
flex·​ion
variants also flection
1
: a bending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare extension sense 2
2
: a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint

More from Merriam-Webster on flexion

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