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.
verb
1
To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.