inflection Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a change in the form of a word (usually by adding a suffix) to indicate a change in its grammatical function
    inflexion.
  2. noun the patterns of stress and intonation in a language
    prosody.
  3. noun deviation from a straight or normal course
    flection; flexion.
  4. noun a manner of speaking in which the loudness or pitch or tone of the voice is modified
    modulation.

WordNet

In*flec"tion noun
Etymology
L. inflexio : cf. F. inflexion. See Inflect.
Definitions
  1. The act of inflecting, or the state of being inflected.
  2. A bend; a fold; a curve; a turn; a twist.
  3. A slide, modulation, or accent of the voice; as, the rising and the falling inflection.
  4. (Gram.) The variation or change which words undergo to mark case, gender, number, comparison, tense, person, mood, voice, etc.
  5. (Mus.) (a) Any change or modification in the pitch or tone of the voice. (b) A departure from the monotone, or reciting note, in chanting.
  6. (Opt.) Same as Diffraction.

Webster 1913