adj.
Pronunciation: ' prä- ˌ str ā t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English prostrat, from Anglo-French, from Latin prostratus, past participle of prosternere, from pro- before + sternere to spread out, throw down ― more at STREW
Date: 14th century
1 : stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission also : lying flat
2 : completely overcome and lacking vitality, will, or power to rise <was prostrate from the heat>
3 : trailing on the ground : PROCUMBENT < prostrate shrubs>
synonyms see PRONE