ˈre.trəˌfleks sometimes ˈrē.t- adjective
or ret·ro·flexed -st
Etymology: retroflex International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin retroflexus bent backward, from retro- + Latin flexus, past participle of flectere to bend; retroflexed from New Latin retroflexus bent backward + English -ed
1. : turned or bent abruptly backward : reflexed
2.
a. : articulated with or involving the participation of the tongue tip curled up and back until its under surface touches the hard palate — used especially of various consonants in Asiatic-Indian languages
b. of a vowel : articulated with or involving the participation of the tongue tip raised and retracted toward the hard palate