retrorse

[ ri-trawrs, ree-trawrs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

turned backward.

retrorse

/ rɪˈtrɔːs /

adjective

(esp of plant parts) pointing backwards or in a direction opposite to normal

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Derived Forms

reˈtrorsely, adverb

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Other Words From

re·trorsely adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of retrorse¹

1815–25; < Latin retrōrsus, contracted form of retrōversus bent backward, equivalent to retrō- retro- + versus (past participle of vertere to turn); retroversion

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Word History and Origins

Origin of retrorse¹

C19: from Latin retrōrsus , shortened form of retrōversus turned back, from retro- + vertere to turn

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Example Sentences

The dorsal fin has a large spine with retrorse serrations behind.

From Project Gutenberg

retrorocket retroserrate

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