retrorse

[ ri-trawrs, ree-trawrs ]

adjective

1. turned backward.

retrorse

/ rɪˈtrɔːs /

adjective

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

Derived Forms

• reˈtrorsely, adverb

Other Words From

• re·trorsely adverb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrorse¹

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

Example Sentences

Forms occur with the barbs of the awns spreading or retrorse, hybrids with Bidens frondosa or other species.

From Project Gutenberg

Stem villous with retrorse hairs; leaflets usually longer than 5 cm.

From Project Gutenberg