supine
adjective
Lying face upward; failing to act as a result of moral weakness or indolence; passive or inactive.
Etymology
From Latin supinus meaning "lying on the back, thrown backwards," related to sub (under) and possibly to Greek hyptios (on one's back).
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The patient lay supine on the examination table."
- 2.
"The supine response of officials allowed corruption to flourish."
- 3.
"He remained supine on the grass, watching clouds drift by."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
In grammar, the supine is a verbal noun found in Latin. Medical professionals specifically use "supine" for lying on the back and "prone" for lying face down.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 6 letters (S, U, P, I, N, E)
Scrabble Value: 8 points
Tip: The letter pattern in "SUPINE" appears in many related words.
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