Definition of the word supine

The word "supine" originates from the Latin word "supinus," which means "lying on one's back." This Latin word is derived from the verb "supinare," which means "to lie on one's back" or "to be prostrate." The word "supine" entered the English language in the 14th century and initially meant "lying on one's back" or "prostrate." Over time, the meaning of "supine" expanded to include figurative senses as well. In surgery, a patient who is supine is lying on their back. In mathematics, a supine matrix is the transpose of a matrix. In general, someone who is described as supine is seen as lazy, apathetic, or lacking energy. Today, the word "supine" is used in a variety of contexts, including anatomy, mathematics, and figurative language, and its original Latin meaning continues to influence its usage.