Point of inflection (Geom.), the point on opposite sides of which a
curve bends in contrary ways.
In*flec"tion*al (?), a. Of or pertaining to inflection; having, or
characterized by, inflection. Max Müller.
In*flect"ive (?), a. 1. Capable of, or pertaining to, inflection;
deflecting; as, the inflective quality of the air. Derham.
2. (Gram.) Inflectional; characterized by variation, or change in form,
to mark case, tense, etc.; subject to inflection.
Inflective language (Philol.), a language like the Greek or Latin,
consisting largely of stems with variable terminations or suffixes
which were once independent words. English is both agglutinative, as,
manlike, headache, and inflective, as, he, his, him. Cf. Agglutinative.
In*flesh" (?), v. t. To incarnate.
In*flex" (?), v. t. [Cf. Flex, Inflect.] To bend; to cause to become
curved; to make crooked; to deflect. J. Philips.
In*flexed" (?), a. 1. Turned; bent. Feltham.
2. (Bot.) Bent or turned abruptly inwards, or toward the axis, as the
petals of a flower.
In*flex"i*bil"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. inflexibilité.] The quality or state
of being inflexible, or not capable of being bent or changed;
unyielding stiffness; inflexibleness; rigidity; firmness of will or
purpose; unbending pertinacity; steadfastness; resoluteness;
unchangeableness; obstinacy.
The inflexibility of mechanism.
A. Baxter.
That grave inflexibility of soul.
Churchill.
The purity and inflexibility of their faith.
T. Warton.
In*flex"i*ble (?), a. [L. inflexiblis: cf. F. inflexible. See In- not,
and Flexible.] 1. Not capable of being bent; stiff; rigid; firm;
unyielding.
2. Firm in will or purpose; not to be turned, changed, or altered;
resolute; determined; unyieding; inexorable; stubborn.
"Inflexibleas steel."
Miltom.
A man of upright and inflexible temper . . . can overcome all
private fear.
Addison.