noun
extension
A movement that straightens a bent joint.
The exercise involves extension of the knee.
Etymology
Latin extensio means a stretching out. Anatomical extension preserves that image by naming the movement that opens or straightens a bent joint.
More examples
- Full extension straightened the elbow.
- She measured the joint's range of extension.
- The therapist compared flexion and extension.
Forms
extension · extensions
Similar words
- straightening
- The ordinary description of opening a bent joint.
- flexion
- The opposite movement, bending a joint.