overlengthen

verb

over·​length·​en ˌō-vər-ˈleŋ(k)-thən How to pronounce overlengthen (audio)
-ˈlen(t)-
overlengthened; overlengthening

transitive + intransitive

: to lengthen (something, such as a body part) too much
Several yoga stretches involve twisting at the knee, or lying back on folded, twisted knees, which forcibly overlengthens the collateral ligament …Jolie Bookspan
If the muscle overlengthens, … a stretch reflex will occur, thereby contracting the muscle.Mark Ansell

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overlengthen was in 1821

Dictionary Entries Near overlengthen

Cite this Entry

“Overlengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overlengthen. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

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