deltoid

American  

[del-toid] / ˈdɛl tɔɪd /

noun

1. Anatomy.  a large, triangular muscle covering the joint of the shoulder, the action of which raises the arm away from the side of the body.

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adjective

1. Anatomy.  pertaining to or involving the deltoid.

2. Also in the shape of a Greek capital delta (Δ); triangular.

deltoid British  

/ ˈdɛltɔɪd /

noun

1. the thick muscle forming the rounded contour of the outer edge of the shoulder and acting to raise the arm

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adjective

1. shaped like a Greek capital delta, Δ; triangular

Other Word Forms

• subdeltoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of deltoid

1675–85; < Greek deltoeidḗs delta-shaped, equivalent to délt ( a ) delta + -oeidēs -oid

Example Sentences

Johnson, squeezed into a wig so tight we get a vicarious headache, has pumped up his deltoids to nearly reach his prosthetic cauliflower ears.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s fixated on a competition judge who, back in 2016, called his deltoids small.

From Los Angeles Times

Munoz has been sidelined since April 9 with a deltoid strain in his right shoulder.

From Seattle Times

Munoz has been on the injured list since April 9 with a right deltoid strain.

From Seattle Times

He was expected to begin a rehab assignment this week until he felt discomfort in his right deltoid during a throwing session.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• trilateral