decumbent

[ dih-kuhm-buhnt ]

adjective

1. lying down; recumbent.
2. Botany. (of stems, branches, etc.) lying or trailing on the ground with the extremity tending to ascend.

decumbent

/ dɪˈkʌmbənt /

adjective

1. lying down or lying flat
2. botany (of certain stems) lying flat with the tip growing upwards

Derived Forms

• deˈcumbently, adverb
• deˈcumbence, noun

Other Words From

• de·cumbence de·cumben·cy noun
• de·cumbent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of decumbent¹

1635–45; < Latin dēcumbent- (stem of dēcumbēns ), present participle of dēcumbere. See decubitus, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of decumbent¹

C17: from Latin dēcumbēns, present participle of dēcumbere to lie down

Example Sentences

The frond is long and narrow, and rarely rises erect, but usually is decumbent or reclined in position.

From Project Gutenberg

In this case the mule was found decumbent on a concrete floor.

From Project Gutenberg

These root-like fibres then branch out, sending out straight or decumbent articulated stems.

From Project Gutenberg

“A. elymoides,” weeping Mitchell grass; plant decumbent, the stems several feet long.

From Project Gutenberg

Some are attached by the whole length of the shell, they are then said to be decumbent.

From Project Gutenberg