How Do You Spell RETRORSE?

Pronunciation: [ɹˌɛtɹə͡ʊrsˈiː] (IPA)

The spelling of "retrorse" may seem confusing at first, but its pronunciation is easily understood through IPA phonetic transcription that represents its syllables as "ri-trawrs." This adjective describes something that curves or bends backward, such as the petals of a flower or the spines of a creature. While it may not be a commonly used word, its specificity and uniqueness make it valuable in certain contexts. Remembering its spelling may take a bit of practice, but its meaning can be appreciated by anyone with an eye for detail.

RETRORSE Meaning and Definition

1. Retrorse is an adjective that describes something bent or turned backward or in the opposite direction. It is often used to refer to the arrangement or orientation of certain anatomical features, particularly in plants.

   In botany, retrorse describes the direction or position of hairs, spines, or other appendages that point backward or away from the apex of a plant part. For example, a retrorse leaf or stem would have hairs or spines pointing towards the base, rather than towards the tip. This characteristic can be observed in various plant structures, such as the sepals, bracts, or thorns. It can also refer to the bent or curved shape of certain floral parts, such as anthers or stigmas, that are oriented in a backward or downward direction. This distinctive arrangement is often found in plant species as a means of protection or facilitating pollination.

   Outside of botany, retrorse can also describe the orientation of other objects or biological structures that turn or bend backward. It can be used in various fields, such as biology, entomology, or paleontology, to describe the positioning of certain body parts or appendages. For instance, a retrorse claw would be one that curves backward instead of forward, providing specific advantages for grasping or climbing. Overall, retrorse is a term primarily used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the backward or opposite direction of a particular feature or structure.

2. Turned backwards.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RETRORSE

• eetrorse
• fetrorse
• tetrorse
• 5etrorse
• 4etrorse
• rwtrorse
• rstrorse
• rdtrorse
• rrtrorse
• r4trorse
• r3trorse
• rerrorse
• refrorse
• regrorse
• reyrorse
• re6rorse
• re5rorse
• reteorse
• retdorse

Etymology of RETRORSE

The word "retrorse" comes from the Latin word "retrorsus", which means "turned backward" or "backward". It is formed by combining the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "backward") and the word "trosus" (meaning "turned"). In English, "retrorse" describes something that is turned or facing backward.

Similar spelling word for RETRORSE

• retrorocket.