Flaccid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😕

Add to dictionary

flaccid

[ˈflæsɪd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

medical

Having lost normal firmness or stiffness; soft and limp.

Synonyms

drooping, flabby, limp, soft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flaccid	Primarily used in medical or scientific contexts to describe muscles or tissues that lack firmness. The patient's muscles became flaccid after the surgery. A flaccid response to the treatment was observed.
limp	Describes something lacking stiffness or structure, often used for objects or parts of the body. The rope went limp in his hands. She walked with a limp after twisting her ankle.
soft	General term describing something that is not hard or firm. Can be used in a variety of contexts, neither negative nor positive. The pillow was very soft. Her voice was soft and calming.
drooping	Commonly used to describe something that hangs down or is sagging, often due to tiredness or lack of support. The flowers in the vase were drooping. Her eyelids were drooping after a long day.
flabby	Typically used to describe soft, loose, and excessive tissue, often in a negative or unflattering way. He decided to start exercising more because his arms were getting flabby. The flabby dough needed more kneading.

Examples of usage

The doctor diagnosed the patient with flaccid muscles.
Due to dehydration, the skin became flaccid.
The flaccid balloon slowly deflated.
His flaccid handshake showed his lack of confidence.
She felt weak and flaccid after the long workout.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health & Biology

In medical terms, flaccidity often refers to muscles that lack tone due to fatigue or nerve injury.
Plants can exhibit flaccidity when they lack water, causing wilt and droopiness.

Pop Culture

The term flaccid is frequently used in comedic contexts in movies or TV shows to describe things that are weak or lack excitement.
Music critics sometimes use the term to describe a performance that lacks energy or passion.

Psychology

Flaccidity can metaphorically describe a person's lack of motivation or purpose, akin to feeling emotionally 'soft' or unstructured.
In discussions about mental health, feeling flaccid may relate to phases of low energy or depression.

Literature

Authors may use 'flaccid' in poetry or prose to create vivid imagery of lifelessness or stagnation, enhancing emotional depth.
Classic literature often employs such terms to contrast characters' vigor with those who are described as weak or indecisive.

Origin of 'flaccid'

Main points about word origin

The word derives from the Latin term 'flaccidus', which means 'soft' or 'loose'.
It has been used in English since the early 17th century, primarily in medical and botanical contexts.

The word 'flaccid' originated from the Latin word 'flaccidus', which means 'soft' or 'flabby'. It was first used in the mid 17th century to describe something that lacks firmness or resilience. Over time, the term became commonly used in medical and general contexts to refer to things that are limp, weak, or lacking vigor.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,318, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23315 exhalation
23316 slavish
23317 questioner
23318 flaccid
23319 allergen
23320 dozing
23321 gondola
...