Definition of flex
transitive verb
1 : to bend especially repeatedly
2a : to move muscles so as to cause flexion of (a joint)b : to move or tense (a muscle) by contraction
3 : use, demonstrate flexing her skills as a singer
intransitive verb
: bend
flex one's muscles
: to demonstrate one's strength an exaggerated need to flex his political muscles — J. P. Lash
From the M-W Editors
Examples of flex in a Sentence
He flexed the muscles of his right arm.
a material that flexes easily
Origin and Etymology of flex
Latin flexus, past participle of flectere to bend
flex
Definition of flex
chiefly British
: an electric cord
Origin and Etymology of flex
short for flexible cord
First Known Use of flex
circa 1934
FLEX Defined for English Language Learners
flex
playDefinition of flex for English Language Learners
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: to bend (a body part)
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: to move or tighten (a muscle)
FLEX Defined for Kids
flex
playDefinition of flex for Students
flexed
;flexing
1 : to bend especially again and again Can you flex your fingers?
2 : to move or tense (a muscle)
Word Root of flex
The Latin word flectere, meaning “to bend” or “to curve,” and its form flexus give us the roots flect and flex. Words from the Latin flectere have something to do with bending or curving. To flex is to cause something, such as a muscle, to curve or bend. Something flexible can be bent without breaking. To deflect, or turn aside, is to bend the direction of something. To reflect is to bend an image back to the person looking at a mirror or other shiny surface.
Medical Dictionary
flex
playMedical Definition of flex
1: to bend especially repeatedly
2a: to move muscles so as to cause flexion of (a joint) stretching and flexing his kneesb: to move or tense (a muscle or muscles) by contraction flexed their biceps
Learn More about flex
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See words that rhyme with flex Spanish Central: Translation of flex Nglish: Translation of flex for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of flex for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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