bend

/bɛnd/

noun

1
A curve.
“There's a sharp bend in the road ahead.”
2
Any of the various knots which join the ends of two lines.
3
(in the plural, underwater diving, with the) A severe condition caused by excessively quick decompression, causing bubbles of nitrogen to form in the blood; decompression sickness.
“A diver who stays deep for too long must ascend very slowly in order to prevent the bends.”
4
One of the honourable ordinaries formed by two diagonal lines drawn from the dexter chief to the sinister base; it generally occupies a fifth part of the shield if uncharged, but if charged one third.
5
Turn; purpose; inclination; ends.
6
In the leather trade, the best quality of sole leather; a butt; sometimes, half a butt cut lengthwise.
7
Hard, indurated clay; bind.
8
(in the plural) The thickest and strongest planks in a ship's sides, more generally called wales, which have the beams, knees, and futtocks bolted to them.
9
(in the plural) The frames or ribs that form the ship's body from the keel to the top of the sides.
“the midship bends”
10
A glissando, or glide between one pitch and another.

1
To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.
“Don’t bend your knees.”
2
To become curved.
“Look at the trees bending in the wind.”
3
To cause to change direction.
4
To change direction.
“The road bends to the right”
5
To be inclined; to direct itself.
6
(usually with "down") To stoop.
“He bent down to pick up the pieces.”
7
To bow in prayer, or in token of submission.
8
To force to submit.
“They bent me to their will.”
9
To submit.
“I am bending to my desire to eat junk food.”
10
To apply to a task or purpose.
“He bent the company's resources to gaining market share.”
11
To apply oneself to a task or purpose.
“He bent to the goal of gaining market share.”
12
To adapt or interpret to for a purpose or beneficiary.
13
To tie, as in securing a line to a cleat; to shackle a chain to an anchor; make fast.
“Bend the sail to the yard.”
14
To smoothly change the pitch of a note.
“You should bend the G slightly sharp in the next measure.”
15
To swing the body when rowing.

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