musculature

American  

[muhs-kyuh-luh-cher, -choor] / ˈmʌs kjə lə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

1. the muscular system of the body or of its parts.

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musculature British  

/ ˈmʌskjʊlətʃə /

noun

1. the arrangement of muscles in an organ or part

2. the total muscular system of an organism

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Etymology

Origin of musculature

1870–75; musculat(ion) muscular system ( see muscle, -ation) + -ure

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Explanation

Musculature is a system of muscles in a body. Your biceps and triceps are part of the musculature of your arm. Musculature is just an extra-fancy way for scientists to say "muscles." Zoologists might talk about the musculature of domesticated animals compared with wild animals, for example, and archaeologists may speculate about the musculature of ancient humans. The term includes not only the muscles themselves, but the way they work together in an organism. Musculature shares a root with muscle, the Latin musculus, which means both "a muscle" and "little mouse."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

musculature

Eiko Ishioka designed the blood-red battle armor with a ribbed surface evoking both exposed human musculature and an armadillo’s shell, while the pointed helmet foreshadows the wolf Dracula later becomes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

It was chosen because this animal’s femur lacks a crest or raised bony protrusion – known as a trochanter – where part of the tail musculature would attach.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 10, 2026

Jana Sterbak’s 1987 “Vanitas: Flesh Dress for an Albino Anorectic,” a garment made of raw flank steaks, is said to echo Michelangelo’s anatomical studies of musculature.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

The horses are characterised by their "large size, long legs, well-developed musculature, slender and elegant head -- set on a long, straight neck -- expressive eyes, high withers and sturdy hooves," he added.

From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026

Using a clear, clean, straight head voice rather than chest voice will help to avoid this, and will strengthen a child’s vocal musculature for a lifetime of excellent singing.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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