deltoid

[del-toid]

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.

adjective

1. Anatomy.,  pertaining to or involving the deltoid.

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

deltoid

/ ˈdɛltɔɪd /

noun

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

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

• subdeltoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deltoid¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deltoid¹

C18: from Greek deltoeidēs triangular, from _delta

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

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

Read more on Seattle Times

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

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

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Related Words

• trilateral