straightlegged

Straightlegged is an adjective describing legs that are straight rather than bent. The one-word form straightlegged is uncommon in modern usage; the preferred variants are straight-legged or straight legged with a hyphen. The term appears in several domains, most notably fashion and anatomy.

In fashion, straight-legged describes a cut of trousers, jeans, or leggings that falls straight from the hip to the ankle, without significant taper or flare. It contrasts with bootcut, skinny, or wide-leg styles and is valued for a simple, even line.

In anatomy and biomechanics, straight-legged describes posture or movement in which the leg is extended. It can describe standing with legs straight or a straight-leg raise exercise or test used to assess flexibility, strength, or neurological status. In medical writing, the related term straight-leg raise is common and refers to a specific diagnostic maneuver; straight-legged posture is a descriptive attribute rather than a diagnosis.

See also: straight-leg raise, posture, fashion terminology, pants cuts.