noun / verb
flare
An outward widening toward an edge or opening.
The skirt flares below the knees.
Etymology
Flare was used of flames spreading outward or burning conspicuously. The shape sense carries over that outward spreading, describing an opening or edge that grows wider instead of remaining straight.
More examples
- The sleeves end in a gentle flare.
- The pipe flared outward at its opening.
- She preferred pants with a slight flare.
Forms
flare · flares · flared · flaring
flared adjective — widening outward toward an edge
Similar words
- widen
- The broad verb, without specifying an outward-spreading shape.
- bell
- Can describe a particular curved, flared shape.