rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -io
Latin

-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -io
  • -ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • -ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

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noun

prostration

prah-STRAY-shun/prɑːˈstreɪʃn/

The act or condition of lying face down in submission.

The worshiper lies face down in prostration before the shrine.

A worshiper lies face down before a Buddha shrine while two others stand with palms together.
Etymology
proLatinbefore, forward; on behalf of
+stratLatinspread out or lay down
+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Laying or throwing someone flat supplies the central image: lying face down expresses submission, while extreme weakness leaves someone figuratively or literally laid low.

In context

Conquering Your Fibromyalgia5:46
The name signifies debility or prostration affecting primarily the nervous system, which constitutes the affection.
Neurasthenia to Fibromyalgia: The Condition Medicine Forgot Part 1

More examples

  • He performs three prostrations before rising to his feet.
  • The monk remains in prostration while the others pray.
  • The king demands a prostration from anyone approaching his throne.

Forms

prostration · prostrations

prostrate verb — To lay oneself face down in submission.

Similar words

obeisance
Obeisance shows respectful submission, often through a bow or gesture.
bow
A bow bends the upper body without lying face down.