digastric

[dahy-gas-trik]

adjective

1. (of a muscle) having two bellies with an intermediate tendon.

noun

1. a muscle of the lower jaw, the action of which assists in lowering the jaw.

digastric

/ daɪˈɡæstrɪk /

adjective

1. (of certain muscles) having two fleshy portions joined by a tendon

noun

1. a muscle of the mandible that assists in lowering the lower jaw

Word History and Origins

Origin of digastric¹

From the New Latin word digastricus, dating back to 1690–1700. See di- ¹, gastric

Word History and Origins

Origin of digastric¹

C17: from New Latin digastricus (with two bellies), from _di- ¹ + gastricus gastric, from Greek gastēr belly

Example Sentences

Having two bellies or protuberances; as, a biventral, or digastric, muscle, or the biventral lobe of the cerebellum.

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In the pig, dog, and cat, the digastric differs more from the corresponding muscle in man; it is not, as in the latter, formed of two parts.

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As their name indicates, these muscles are found above the hyoid bone; amongst those which should arrest our attention for a moment are the mylo-hyoid and the digastric.

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Digastric.—This muscle arises from the styloid process of the occipital bone and from the jugular process; it thence passes downwards and forwards, and terminates variously, in different species.

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Digastric, dī-gas′trik, adj. double-bellied, or fleshy at each end, as is one of the muscles of the lower jaw.

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