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/suÂ·piÂ·naÂ·tion/ (sooâ³pÄ­-naÂ´shun) [L. supinatio ] the act of assuming the supine position, or the state of being supine. Applied to the hand, the act of turning the palm forward (anteriorly) or upward, performed by lateral rotation of the forearm. Applied to the foot, it generally implies movements resulting in raising of the medial margin of the foot, hence of the longitudinal arch.
The elbow also provides for rotation of the lower arm through twisting of the radius and ulna. This twisting allows you to turn your hand palm up or palm down. The rotation of the lower arm is called pronation or supination depending on the direction of movement.