flex
UK[flɛks]US[flɛks]
v
To bend a joint or limb, or to tighten a muscle.
v
To show or demonstrate something, especially a skill or attribute, in a way that is intended to impress.
n
The action of bending or the state of being bent.
Etymology
The verb 'flex' entered English in the early 16th century, derived from the Latin verb flectere, meaning 'to bend'. This Latin root is itself traceable to the Proto-Indo-European root bʰleg-, which also meant 'to bend'. The semantic journey is remarkably direct: the core concept of physical bending has remained constant from its ancient origins. In the 20th century, the word developed a figurative slang sense, 'to show off', which extends the idea of bending or tightening one's muscles to demonstrate strength, thereby applying the physical action to a social context.
Analysis
The word 'flex' is a simplex word derived directly from a Latin root. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes in its modern English spelling.
Examples
He flexed his arm to show his bicep.
The new software is designed to flex and adapt to different user needs.
She couldn't resist flexing her knowledge of ancient history during the lecture.