ectomorphic

American  

[ek-tuh-mawr-fik] / ˌɛk təˈmɔr fɪk /

adjective

1. having a thin body build, roughly characterized by the relative prominence of structures developed from the embryonic ectoderm (contrasted with endomorphic, mesomorphic).

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Other Word Forms

• ectomorphy
  noun

Etymology

Origin of ectomorphic

First recorded in 1935–40; ecto- + -morphic

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ectomorphic

The researchers also concluded the top division players "are getting more angular and ectomorphic".

From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026

Only a few years ago, he was a mystery, this international big man from Paris with an ectomorphic frame, graceful moves and a gentle, looping teardrop of a jump shot.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026

The sardonic one-eyed profile, slightly cross, the narrow, ectomorphic head, badly combed, the wide and nervous and well-muscled rump all suggest deskwork: shipping rates by day, Schopenhauer by night, and endless coffee.

From New York Times ● Dec. 22, 2015

On Thursday, Mr. Schleck and Mr. Contador would ascend the decisive Col du Tourmalet together, like an ectomorphic Butch and Sundance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2010

Jane is no longer content to play an ectomorphic Bardot.

From Time Magazine Archive