flexion

noun flex·ion \ ˈflek-shən \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of flexion

1 : the act of flexing or bending

2 : a part bent : bend

3 : inflection 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 3b

b : a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint

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Recent Examples of flexion from the Web

Single-Leg Deadlift Improves: Hamstring strength for hip extension and knee flexion through each stroke Hold a free weight in your right hand and let your left foot hover above the floor putting most of your weight in your right foot.

— Philly.com, "4 essential strength training moves for cyclists," 5 June 2018
Accelerating down the runway will put some flexion into the wings, likely giving them a bit of a flapping quality as the plane takes off.

— michael belfiore, Popular Mechanics, "Say Hello to Stratolaunch, the World's Largest Plane," 17 Apr. 2012
Over a career spanning more than five decades and some 30 books, Roth’s themes were elaborated: lust, Jewishness in its New World colorations, and the large flexions of history that rose from the alignment of the two.

— nathan heller, Vogue, "Remembering Philip Roth, Literary Risk-Taker," 23 May 2018
The good news, though, was that her tendon sheaths, which facilitate the movement of the tendons and flexion of the limbs, had been spared.

— jonas shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "Red Ruby wins Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico," 19 May 2018
Analysis will show the perfect center of gravity, the perfect circumference of the right thigh versus the left, the ideal size of the multifidus, the proper flexion of one ankle over another, the most efficient rotation of each hip.

— john branch, New York Times, "Short-Track Speedskaters Are Lopsided," 20 Feb. 2018
What this means is that during the forward lunge, as the front foot hits the ground, the body's momentum moves forward, which may increase the angle of the knee flexion, explains Perkins.

— jenny mccoy, SELF, "The Difference Between Forward and Reverse Lunges, and How to Choose Which to Do," 2 May 2018
At that point in his rehabilitation, he was focused on knee flexion and strengthening his leg.

— rich campbell, chicagotribune.com, "Bears' doubts about Cameron Meredith's knee lead them not to match Saints' offer sheet," 11 Apr. 2018
Pelvic tilt, 5-10 reps This movement opens up the spine with a gentle flexion and extension motion.

— NBC News, "To make your day better, stay in bed longer. Really.," 12 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flexion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of flexion

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1615

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

flexion

noun flex·ion

variants: also flection play \ˈflek-shən\

medical Definition of flexion

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 2

2 : a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint