Vocabulary in context
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Flaccid
Soft and limp; lacking firmness or tone; can describe muscles, tissues, or other things that are not firm; can also describe a lack of vigor or vitality in a metaphorical sense.
adjective💡
Imagine This
When a fly is put into acid, it partially dissolves and becomes soft and finally turns into mush.
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Sounds Like
FLAS-id
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Looks Like
fly in acid
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Remember This
In medicine, flaccid describes muscles lacking tone; flaccid paralysis can result from nerve or spinal damage.
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Other Forms
flacciditynoun
flaccidlyadverb
flaccidnessnoun
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Connect With
lax, limp, slack, flabby, atony, weakness, relaxation
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Note
Flaccid implies limp, not stiff. Distinguish from 'flabby' (soft but not necessarily weak) and from 'rigid' or 'stiff'. In medical contexts, 'flaccid' often contrasts with 'spastic' or 'tonic' states.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The patient developed flaccid muscles on one side of the body after the spinal injury.
- Without regular exercise, muscles can become flaccid and weak.
Synonyms
limplaxslackflabbyatonic
Antonyms
tensefirmstifftaut
Etymology
From Latin flaccidus 'soft, slack', from flaccus 'drooping'.
Mnemonic
Think of a limp, floppy limb: flaccid sounds like 'flop-sid' — remember that something flaccid is soft and has lost its tone.
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adjectiveSubject to one or more conditions; dependent on something else being true or fulfilled.
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nounThe ability to speak or write with fluency and persuasiveness; a skillful, effective use of language to sway an audience.
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adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
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adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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