Retroflex

Quick meaning: Retroflex is an adjective meaning Bent or curved backwards.

Meaning

Bent or curved backwards.

More Meanings

1. (phonetics) Of pronunciation in which the tip of the tongue approaches or touches the back of the alveolar ridge.
2. (phonetics) Of pronunciation in which the blade of the tongue approaches or touches the back of the alveolar ridge.
3. (phonetics, general sense) Of any of the aforementioned pronunciations.
4. (phonetics) A consonant pronounced with the underside of the tongue approaching or touching the palate.
5. (phonetics) A consonant pronounced with the tip of the tongue approaching or touching the back of the alveolar ridge.
6. (phonetics) A consonant pronounced with the blade of the tongue approaching or touching the back of the alveolar ridge.
7. (phonetics) Of pronunciation in which the tip of the tongue is raised and bent backwards, so that the underside of the tongue approaches or touches the palate.

Example Sentences

Near-synonym: rhotic

Near-synonyms: subapical, palatal

Near-synonyms: apical, postalveolar

Near-synonyms: laminal, postalveolar

Word Forms

• retroflexes
• retroflexing
• retroflexed

Synonyms for retroflex

Depending on context, synonyms include retroflexed, retroflexive, reflexed, reflected, palatal, apical.

Antonyms for retroflex

Common opposites include nonretroflex, unretroflexed.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include backward, cacuminal, approximant, retroflexive, retroverted, retrolateral.

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