recumbent

Everyday

1. (formal) Lying down, especially on your back or leaning back. tree →
2. A recumbent bicycle or bike is one you ride sitting back in a low seat with your legs in front. tree →
3. (noun) A short name for a recumbent bicycle. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and old books it describes someone lying down to rest. In sport and everyday life it names a special low bike or exercise bike with a back rest. In art and history it describes statues of people lying down on tombs. Phrases: «recumbent position», «recumbent bike», «recumbent figure».

Examples

• The cat lay recumbent in the sun. tree →
• My grandad uses a recumbent exercise bike at the gym. tree →
• The statue shows a recumbent knight on top of his tomb. tree →
• She rides a recumbent to school and it looks very low. tree →
• The patient stayed in a recumbent position after the operation. tree →
• A recumbent bike is easier on your back. tree →
• The lions were recumbent under the tree. tree →
• Hypnus is sometimes depicted standing erect with closed eyes; at others he is in a recumbent position beside his brother Thanatos, and usually bears a poppy-stalk in his hand. tree →

Note

Formal word; in everyday speech say «lying down». Not the same as «incumbent» (the person now holding a job). Pronounced «ri-KUM-bent».