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Flexure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flexure

[ˈflɛkʃər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in anatomy

A bend or curve, especially in a tubular organ such as the intestines.

Synonyms

bend, curve, turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flexure

Typically used in technical or scientific contexts, such as engineering or anatomy, to describe a bend or fold that is specifically characterized by its flexibility or structural nature.

  • The flexure of the metal rod was within acceptable limits
  • The colon's flexure is an important anatomical feature
bend

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a general change in the direction of an object, especially something that can be physically manipulated or observed.

  • He tried to bend the stick without breaking it
  • There's a sharp bend in the road ahead
curve

Used when referring to a smoothly flowing, bending line without sharp angles, often used in mathematical or aesthetic contexts.

  • The road curves past the old barn
  • The graph shows a steady upward curve
turn

Refers to changing direction, often at a specific point or angle, and can apply to both physical objects and actions.

  • Take the next turn on your right
  • She turned the steering wheel to avoid the obstacle

Examples of usage

  • The flexure of the elbow allows for a wide range of motion.
  • She experienced pain in her abdominal flexure.
Context #2 | Noun

in mechanics

The action of bending or the condition of being bent, especially the bending of a part of a structure under load.

Synonyms

bending, curvature, deflection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flexure

Used primarily in technical or scientific contexts, typically relating to physical sciences such as physics, engineering, or geology. It describes a curve or bend in a material or structure due to external forces.

  • The flexure of the beam was within acceptable limits during the stress test.
  • Geologists studied the flexure of the Earth's crust in the affected area.
bending

Commonly used in everyday language and in technical contexts to describe the act of causing something to curve or change shape by applying force. Can be both literal and metaphorical.

  • The metal rod began bending under the weight of the load.
  • She was bending over backwards to meet the project's deadline.
deflection

Often used in both technical and everyday language to refer to the change in direction or position of an object due to an external force. Common in physics, engineering, and sports.

  • The engineer measured the deflection of the bridge under heavy traffic.
  • The goalkeeper's quick reflexes caused a deflection of the ball away from the net.
curvature

Usually employed in formal or scientific discussions, particularly in mathematics, physics, and medicine, to describe the degree to which a curve deviates from being straight or flat.

  • The curvature of the spine is abnormal in cases of scoliosis.
  • The mathematician calculated the curvature of the space-time continuum.

Examples of usage

  • The steel beam showed signs of flexure under the heavy weight.
  • The flexure of the bridge was carefully monitored during construction.
Context #3 | Noun

in geology

A bend in a rock layer or stratum.

Synonyms

bend, curve, fold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flexure

Used mainly in scientific or technical contexts, especially in physics, geology, or anatomy, to describe a bending or curving of a structure.

  • The flexure of the beam under the weight was carefully measured.
  • The spinal flexure can impact posture.
bend

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the action or process of making something curved or crooked; often refers to physical objects or body parts.

  • You need to bend your knees when you lift heavy objects.
  • The river takes a sharp bend here.
fold

Typically used to describe bending something over itself, creating a crease. Commonly used for paper, fabric, or any flexible material.

  • She folded the letter carefully before putting it into the envelope.
  • The chef folded the egg whites into the batter.
curve

Refers to a smooth, rounded line or shape. Used in various contexts including math, design, and everyday language. Generally implies a more gradual and consistent arc.

  • The road curves gently to the left.
  • She drew a perfect curve on the graph.

Examples of usage

  • The flexure in the sedimentary rock indicated tectonic activity in the region.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, the term might describe how limbs or tissues bend, important for understanding movement.
  • In engineering, flexure plays a role in designing structures that can withstand stress, such as bridges.
  • Flexural strength is a key term in materials science, measuring how much bending a material can endure before it breaks.

Architecture

  • Certain architectural designs use flexure to create more dynamic and resilient buildings, like the Sydney Opera House.
  • Curved elements often have better load distribution, showcasing practical applications of flexure in real estate.
  • Historic structures regularly employed arc-based designs, a direct outcome of understanding flexure.

Art

  • Artists use flexure principles in sculpture, allowing materials to flow and curve naturally to represent motion.
  • In painting, artists often illustrate flexure through shadows and shapes to create depth in their work.
  • Famous pieces like the sculptures of Alexander Calder utilize flexure to evoke feelings of movement and life.

Literature

  • Writers often use the concept of flexure as a metaphor for change in stories, depicting characters bending under pressure or adapting.
  • Poetry frequently employs images of flexure to convey emotions, using curves to represent feelings and relationships.
  • Some classic novels have themes of flexibility in moral choices, highlighting the human capacity for change.

Origin of 'flexure'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'flexura', meaning 'a bending', emphasizing its connection to curvature.
  • English adopted 'flexure' in the 14th century, showing early interest in physical shapes and structures.
  • Related terms like 'flexible' highlight the ability to bend, demonstrating connections in the language.

The word 'flexure' has its origins in the Latin word 'flexura', which means a bending or turning. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'flexure' has been used in various fields such as anatomy, mechanics, and geology to describe bends, curves, or folds. The concept of flexure is fundamental in understanding the behavior of structures under different conditions of load. The word continues to be relevant in modern scientific and technical contexts.

See also: flex, flexibility, flexible, flexibly, flexibound, flexing, inflexibility, inflexible.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,958, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.