Definition of "contortion" [con•tor•tion]

• The act of contorting, twisting or deforming something, especially oneself. (noun)
• A form of acrobatic display which involves the dramatic bending and flexing of the human body. (noun)

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• "Can even the supporters of the bill doubt, with a straight face, that the reason for the contortion is that the effects of deeming are different from the effects of passage."
• "Figure skater Kimmie Meissner used a flexibility-improving device to help her perform a certain contortion involving lifting one foot backward over her head."
• "Mrs McNab could not refuse to grant a night's shelter to a tired and chilly traveller, and by to - morrow -- Margot smiled to herself, recalling the contortion of the dour"