uncurl

American  

[uhn-kurl] / ʌnˈkɜrl /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to straighten or become straightened out from a curl or curled position.

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uncurl British  

/ ʌnˈkɜːl /

verb

1. to move or cause to move out of a curled or rolled up position

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Etymology

Origin of uncurl

First recorded in 1580–90; un- ² + curl

Example Sentences

Dole eventually learned that he could grip a pen in his right fingers, a technique he used to mask the fact that he couldn’t uncurl them.

From Washington Post • Jun. 4, 2021

Unable to uncurl from my kneeling position, I stayed there, as if at prayer.

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2021

Salgado’s hands began to uncurl and I brought markers and scrapbooks.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2019

They do have different personalities: some don’t want to uncurl, while others are brave and want to explore.

From The Guardian • May 10, 2019

Hooper stood very still, turning the pencil round and round inside the sharpener, and watching the shaving of wood uncurl itself out of the side, like a moth emerging from the larva.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill

Related Words

• spread
• stretch out
• unfurl
• unravel