sternocleidomastoid

[ stur-noh-klahy-duh-mas-toid ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving the sternum, the clavicle, and the mastoid process.

noun

1. a thick muscle on each side of the neck, the action of which assists in bending the head and neck forward and sideways.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sternocleidomastoid¹

1820–30; sterno- + Greek kleido-, combining form of kleís key, clavicle + mastoid

Example Sentences

As you glide down, turn your head away from your hand and follow the sternocleidomastoid toward your back.

From Popular-Science