To save this word, you'll need to log in.
ac·cum·bent | \ əˈkəmbənt, (ˈ)a¦k- \
Definition of accumbent
1 : leaning or reclining especially at meals
the Roman accumbent posture in eating
2 botany : lying against something
—used chiefly of cotyledons having their edges folded against the hypocotyl (as in many crucifers) — compare conduplicate, incumbent
3 zoology : closely applied to a surface (as of the wing scales of certain insects)
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on accumbent
What made you want to look up accumbent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Intact Latin Quiz
- What did focus mean in Latin?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Intact Latin Quiz
What did each of these words mean to ancient Romans?
Take the quiz - The Eponym Quiz
Do you know these words that come from names?
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share accumbent
Time Traveler for accumbent
The first known use of accumbent was in 1680
See more words from the same year