adjective. bent or curved backward or downward.
1. The retrorse spines on the plant's stem deterred animals from grazing on it. 2. The leaves of the tree were characterized by their retrorse hairs, giving them a rough texture.
1. "The retrorse spines of the plant can cause injury to unwary hikers." Bear Grylls, "Survival Guide" 2. "The artist used retrorse brushstrokes to create a sense of motion in the painting." Vincent Van Gogh, personal diary.
