flexion

noun

flex·​ion ˈflek-shən 

1

: the act of flexing or bending

2

: a part bent : bend

3

: inflection sense 2

4

a

: a bending movement around a joint in a limb (such as the knee or elbow) that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare extension sense 3b

b

: a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint

Examples of flexion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The test assesses the flexibility of seven different joints using 20 movements, such as extension and flexion of the knee, hip, trunk, wrist, and shoulder. —Sarah Garone, Health, 5 Sep. 2024

With the wrist flexion and extension exercise: Start by supporting the affected forearm (between the wrist and elbow) with your opposite hand.7 Set the fingers into a relaxed, light fist and slowly bend the wrist back and forth. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024

The covering, which tops both the arena and an adjacent office and practice facility, is spectacular on its own — pulling your eyes in all directions with its play of light, shadow, structure and flexion, while conjuring forms in your mind at once natural (Egg? Pineapple? —Sam Lubell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2024

Curtsy Lunge This exercise is perfect for building lower body strength and stability, such as hip flexion and weight stabilization. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin flexiōn-, flexiō "act of bending or curving," from flectere "to cause to go in a different direction, bend, curve" (of uncertain origin) + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

flexion

noun

flex·​ion ˈflek-shən 

: a bending movement around a joint (as the knee or elbow) in an arm or leg that lessens the angle between bones of the arm or leg at the joint

also : the resulting state

Medical Definition

flexion

noun

flex·​ion

variants also flection

ˈflek-shən 

1

: a bending movement around a joint in a limb (as the knee or elbow) that decreases the angle between the bones of the limb at the joint compare extension sense 2

2

: a forward raising of the arm or leg by a movement at the shoulder or hip joint