inflect

[in-flekt] /ɪnˈflɛkt/
verb (used with object)
1.
to modulate (the voice).
2.
Grammar.
  1. to apply inflection to (a word).
  2. to recite or display all or a distinct set of the inflections of (a word); decline or conjugate.
3.
to bend; turn from a direct line or course.
4.
Botany. to bend in.
verb (used without object)
5.
Grammar. to be characterized by inflection.
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English inflecten < Latin inflectere to bend in, equivalent to in- in-2 + flectere to bend, curve; cf. flex
Related forms
inflectedness, noun
inflective, adjective
inflector, noun
noninflected, adjective
uninflected, adjective
uninflective, adjective
Examples from the web for inflect
  • Unlike conjugating words, nouns do not inflect to show politeness or respect.
British Dictionary definitions for inflect

inflect

/ɪnˈflɛkt/
verb
1.
(grammar) to change (the form of a word) or (of a word) to change in form by inflection
2.
(transitive) to change (the voice) in tone or pitch; modulate
3.
(transitive) to cause to deviate from a straight or normal line or course; bend
Derived Forms
inflectedness, noun
inflective, adjective
inflector, noun
Word Origin
C15: from Latin inflectere to curve round, alter, from flectere to bend
Word Origin and History for inflect
v.

early 15c., "to bend inward," from Latin inflectere (past participle inflexus) "to bend in, bow, curve," figuratively, "to change," from in- "in" (see in- (1)) + flectere "to bend" (see flexible). Grammatical sense is attested 1660s; pronunciation sense (in inflection) is c.1600. Related: Inflected; inflecting.