flexuous

adjective

flex·​u·​ous ˈflek-sh(ə-)wəs How to pronounce flexuous (audio)
1
: having curves, turns, or windings
2
: lithe or fluid in action or movement

Did you know?

Flexuous is a synonym of curvy. It is typically used in botany to describe plant stems that aren't rigid. But don't let that tendency deflect you from occasionally employing this ultimately quite flexible word. Stemming straight from Latin flectere, meaning "to bend," it can also mean "undulating" or "fluid." It might, for example, be used of writing or music, or of something or someone that moves with a fluid sort of grace.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin flexuōsus, from flexus "act of bending, bend, curve" (from flectere "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve" + -tus, suffix of action nouns) + -ōsus -ose entry 1

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flexuous was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Flexuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flexuous. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

flexuous

adjective
flex·​u·​ous ˈfleksh-(ə-)wəs How to pronounce flexuous (audio)
: lacking rigidity in structure or action
flexuous filamentous virus particlesM. Hema et al.
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