[kuh
n-tawr-tiv] 
| characterized by, tending toward, or causing contortions or twisting: contortive movements; contortive pain; contortive alleyways. |
| con·tort (kən-tôrt') v. con·tort·ed, con·tort·ing, con·torts v. tr. To twist, wrench, or bend severely out of shape: pain that contorted their faces. v. intr. To become twisted into a strained shape or expression. See Synonyms at distort. [Latin contorquēre, contort-, to twist : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + torquēre, to twist; see terkw- in Indo-European roots.] con·tor'tion n., con·tor'tive adj. |