biceps

American  

[bahy-seps] / ˈbaɪ sɛps /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

bicepses, biceps

1. either of two flexor muscles, one biceps brachii located in the front of the upper arm and assisting in bending the arm, and the other biceps femoris located on the back of the thigh and assisting in bending the leg.

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biceps British  

/ ˈbaɪsɛps /

noun

1. anatomy any muscle having two heads or origins, esp the muscle that flexes the forearm

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biceps Scientific  

/ bī′sĕps′ /

1. Either of two muscles, biceps brachii of the arm or biceps femoris of the leg, each with two points of origin. The biceps of the arm bends the elbow, while the biceps of the leg helps to bend the knee as part of the hamstring.

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Etymology

Origin of biceps

1625–35; < Latin: two-headed, having two parts, equivalent to bi- bi- ¹ + -ceps (stem -cipit- ), combining form of caput head

Compare meaning

How does biceps compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• biceps vs. triceps

Example Sentences

He grabbed Gary’s arm—his thick-as-a-tree- stump arm, with biceps as distinct as rope—and, by bracing his feet against the ground, Jonah managed to keep Gary from punching JB again.

From Literature

He was wearing faded jeans, scuffed work boots, and a sleeveless T-shirt that showed off his tan and well-defined biceps and forearms.

From Literature

He flexed his right arm, slapping at his biceps.

From Literature

Clothing him had been a difficulty—he was so broad at the shoulder and biceps that he had split the seams in three consecutive coats each time he flexed his arms.

From Literature

Brian and his cousin are athletic, with broad shoulders and thick biceps, and they dream of a life beyond the fields.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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