I. ˈfleks verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Latin flexus, past participle of flectere to bend
transitive verb
1. : to bend especially repeatedly so as to form folds in
sat flexing the strap as he talked
2.
a. : to move muscles so as to cause flexion of (a joint)
stretching and flexing his knees
— compare extend
b. : to move (a muscle or muscles) so as to flex a joint
flexed their biceps and went to work
intransitive verb
: to bend especially so as to form a fold or to clasp
the old man's hands flexed on the head of his cane
such a spring must flex repeatedly without weakening or deforming permanently
II. noun
( -es )
1. : an act or instance of flexing
gave his muscles a flex and heaved on the bar
2.
[short for flexible (II) ]
chiefly Britain : electric cord
III. verb
•
- flex one's muscles