First Known Use: circa 1521
Dictionary
1flex
verb \ˈfleks\
: to bend (a body part)
: to move or tighten (a muscle)
Full Definition of FLEX
transitive verb
1
: to bend especially repeatedly
2
a : to move muscles so as to cause flexion of (a joint) b : to move or tense (a muscle) by contraction
3
: use, demonstrate <flexing her skills as a singer>
intransitive verb
: bend
— flex one's muscles
: to demonstrate one's strength <an exaggerated need to flex his political muscles — J. P. Lash>
See flex defined for English-language learners
See flex defined for kids
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Origin of FLEX
Latin flexus, past participle of flectere to bend
2flex
noun
Definition of FLEX
chiefly British : an electric cord
Origin of FLEX
short for flexible cord
First Known Use: 1905
3flex
noun
FLEX Defined for Kids
flex
verb \ˈfleks\
flexedflex·ing
Definition of FLEX for Kids
1
: to bend especially again and again <Can you flex your fingers?>
2
: to move or tense (a muscle)
Word Root of FLEX
The Latin word flectere, meaning “to bend” or “to curve,” and its form flexus give us the roots flect and flex. Words from the Latin flectere have something to do with bending or curving. To flex is to cause something, such as a muscle, to curve or bend. Something flexible can be bent without breaking. To deflect, or turn aside, is to bend the direction of something. To reflect is to bend an image back to the person looking at a mirror or other shiny surface.
Medical Dictionary
flex
transitive verb \ˈfleks\
Medical Definition of FLEX
1
: to bend especially repeatedly
2
a : to move muscles so as to cause flexion of (a joint) <stretching and flexing his knees> b : to move or tense (a muscle or muscles) by contraction <flexed their biceps>
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