Meaning

Bent or curved backwards..

Definitions by Sense

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

Example Sentences

Near-synonyms: subapical, palatal

In the case of the Wubuy alveolar versus retroflex contrast for instance, we argue that the phonetic overlap is so great that native listeners can behave as if this were an instance of a good and a 'less good' instance of a single category (CG).

Near-synonyms: apical, postalveolar

Near-synonyms: laminal, postalveolar

Near-synonym: rhotic

[…] retroflexing the endoscope tip and mechanically rotating the transducer.

Word Forms

• more retroflex
• most retroflex
• retroflexes
• retroflexing
• retroflexed

Synonyms for retroflex

Antonyms for retroflex

Related Words

When Should You Use Retroflex?

Use retroflex when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions