Flexible

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈflÉ›k.sɪ.bÉ™l/, /ˈflÉ›k.sÉ™.bÉ™l/

Origin

From Middle French flexible, from Latin flexibilis, from flectō ("I bend, curve").

Full definition of flexible

Adjective

1. Capable of being flexed or bent without breaking; able to be turned, bowed, or twisted, without breaking; pliable; not stiff or brittle.When the splitting wind Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks. -William Shakespeare
2. Willing or ready to yield to the influence of others; not invincibly rigid or obstinate; tractable; manageable; ductile; easy and compliant; wavering.Phocion was a man of great severity, and no ways flexible to the will of the people. -Francis Bacon.Women are soft, mild, pitiful, and flexible. -William Shakespeare
3. Capable or being adapted or molded; plastic,; as, a flexible language.This was a principle more flexible to their purpose. -Rogers.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• flexibly
• flexibleness

Related terms

• flexibility
• inflexible

Noun

1. (chiefly engineering and manufacturing) Something that is flexible.
• 2009, August 19, Terry McCrann, Win-win deal for the times, Alcan is mostly flexibles -- and so it boosts Amcor's flexible packaging business to a globally significant $7 billion one.