flextension

Noun

flextension (plural flextensions)

1. A type of transducer that uses flexible, elastic shells to transmit and amplify displacements.
   • The dominant concept in high strain actuators is the flextension mechanism.1996, V. V. Varadan, J. Chandra, Smart Structures and Materials, →ISBN
   • When the cover plate height decreases, the motion of cover plate is from rotation-dominated to flextension-dominated.1996, Bernard M. Kulwicki, Ahmed Amin, Ahmad Safari, 1996 IEEE International Symposium on Application of Ferroelectrics, →ISBN
2. A variable-length extension to a tool or device.
   • The catalog shows use of units as screw-in and “flextension" types, on single socket or cluster torpedo canopy units, with “add-a-pipe" and curved arms and as portable units.1950, Artmide Lighting - Volumes 57-58, page 87
   • Also included in the set are: a ratchet wrench, adaptor and spinner, nut spinner, plastic grip handle, universal joint, three extensions, a flextension, and a 3/4 in. tip short screwdriver.1969, Assembly Engineering - Volume 12, Issues 7-12, page 85
3. The extension of a deadline that allows a flexible final date (originally used to refer to Brexit, but subsequently extended to other contexts).
   • Some E.U. policymakers have argued for a “flextension” that would set a date for Britain’s E.U. exit far in the future but allow Britain to leave as soon as it comes up with a viable plan.2018 November 15, “What's up with Brexit? A guide to emergency summits, flextensions and more.”, in Washington Post
   • The problem with flextensions is that, just as has occurred with Brexit, they don't address the underlying problem.2019 April 5, Jim Collins, “3 'Flextensions' Very Evident in This Market: Tesla, Oil and Bonds”, in The Street
4. A position in which the lower neck is flexed and upper neck extended.
   • The lubricated mask is inserted fully deflated, with the patient's head and neck in the sniffing position (lower neck flexed and upper neck extended, flextension).2019, Jonathan Thompson, Iain Moppett, Matthew Wiles, Smith and Aitkenhead's Textbook of Anaesthesia, →ISBN, page 471