bends

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/bɛndz/ English

Definitions

A curve.“There's a sharp bend in the road ahead.”
Any of the various knots which join the ends of two lines.
(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.”
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.

To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.“Don’t bend your knees.”
To become curved.“Look at the trees bending in the wind.”
To cause to change direction.
To change direction.“The road bends to the right”

A sometimes fatal condition resulting from the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood and tissues, because of too rapid decompression, seen especially in deep-sea divers ascending rapidly from a dive. It is characterized by severe pains in the joints and chest, skin irritation, cramps, nausea, and paralysis.