recumbent

[ ri-kuhm-buhnt ]

adjective

1. lying down; reclining; leaning.

   Synonyms: inclined, prostrate, supine, prone

2. inactive; idle.
3. Zoology, Botany. noting a part that leans or reposes upon its surface of origin.

noun

1. a recumbent person, animal, plant, etc.

recumbent

/ rɪˈkʌmbənt /

adjective

1. lying down; reclining
2. (of a part or organ) leaning or resting against another organ or the ground

   a recumbent stem

3. (of a fold in a rock formation) in which the axial plane is nearly horizontal

Derived Forms

• reˈcumbently, adverb
• reˈcumbence, noun

Other Words From

• re·cumben·cy re·cumbence noun
• re·cumbent·ly adverb
• unre·cumbent adjective
• unre·cumbent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of recumbent¹

1765–75; < Latin recumbent- (stem of recumbēns ), present participle of recumbere to lie back, equivalent to re- re- + cumb-, akin to cubāre to lie down + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of recumbent¹

C17: from Latin recumbere to lie back, from re- + cumbere to lie

Example Sentences

These models are not quite as ergonomic, but they still provide the desired workout effects in a smaller package and even engage more of the upper body than recumbent models thanks to the inclusion of handlebars.

From Popular-Science

Upright bikes tend to be smaller than recumbent models, even with screens included, which make them a better choice when space is tight.

From Popular-Science

J is for John McCain, who appears to have sprung back to political life from a semi-recumbent position.

From The Daily Beast

His splendid monument, with recumbent marble effigies of himself and his wife, occupies the east wall of the Hyde Chapel.

From Project Gutenberg

Because of its recumbent position, symbolic of General Lee resting on a battlefield cot, this statue is considered most unique.

From Project Gutenberg

Behind the altar in this chapel is an internationally famous white marble, recumbent "Figure of Lee" which Valentine created.

From Project Gutenberg

Instantly, at the sight of this recumbent figure, another change took place in the entrapped butler.

From Project Gutenberg

Lieutenant Overton gave a gasp of dismay as his gaze fell upon the recumbent forms of six of his men, every one of them bound.

From Project Gutenberg