a. [ L. prostratus, p. p. of prosternere to prostrate; pro before, forward + sternere to spread out, throw down. See Stratum. ] 1. Lying at length, or with the body extended on the ground or other surface; stretched out; as, to sleep prostrate. Elyot. [ 1913 Webster ]
Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Lying at mercy, as a supplicant. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Lying in a humble, lowly, or suppliant posture. [ 1913 Webster ]
Prostrate fall
Before him reverent, and there confess
Humbly our faults. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. (Bot.) Trailing on the ground; procumbent. [ 1913 Webster ]