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 (endomorphic,mesomorphic ).

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Other Word Forms

• ectomorphy noun

Etymology

Origin of ectomorphic

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

Example Sentences

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

The body type favored by most designers remains ectomorphic.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2011

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

For like the ectomorphic Smiley, The Honourable Schoolboy resists shrinkage.

From Time Magazine Archive

The ectomorphic component involves fragility and delicacy of body, spindly bones, stringy muscles, dropped shoulders, prominent ribs, long, thin, forward-bent neck, small face, sharp nose, thin, dry, sensitive skin, fine, quick-growing hair, prominent genitalia.

From Time Magazine Archive