genuflection

noun

gen·​u·​flec·​tion
variants or less commonly genuflexion
ˌ⸗⸗ˈflekshən
ˈ⸗⸗ˌ⸗⸗
1
: the act or an instance of bending the knee and sometimes touching it to the floor or ground especially in worship
2
: the act or an instance of according servile or humble obedience or respect : a respectful gesture
a genuflection in the direction of Marxist orthodoxyAlex Inkeles

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin genuflexion-, genuflexio, from genuflexus (past participle of genuflectere) + -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Genuflection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genuflection. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

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