flexion

noun

flex·​ion ˈflek-shən 

1

: the act of flexing or bending

2

: a part bent : bend

3

: inflection sense 2

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

Symptoms include weakness in hip flexion and a decreased range of motion. —Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025

In the next phase, James’ knee is at the maximum point of flexion. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2025

During this lowering—known as the eccentric phase—your glutes, along with your hamstrings, get stretched as your hips push back (a motion known as hip flexion). —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 4 June 2025

In Azzurra, one finger (capable of flexion and extension movements, or two degrees of freedom) is driven by only one motor. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 July 2013

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

Rhymes for flexion

• lection
• rection
• section
• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection

Kids Definition

flexion

noun

flex·​ion ˈflek-shən 

: 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

ˈflek-shən 

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