decumbent

adjective

de·​cum·​bent di-ˈkəm-bənt How to pronounce decumbent (audio)
dē-
1
: lying down
2
of a plant : reclining on the ground but with ascending apex or extremity

Word History

Etymology

Latin decumbent-, decumbens, present participle of decumbere to lie down, from de- + -cumbere to lie down; akin to Latin cubare to lie

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decumbent was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near decumbent

Cite this Entry

“Decumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decumbent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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