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

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

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

While he may not have the traditional ectomorphic build of the supermodels, John certainly has a similarly mesomorphic ego.

From Time Magazine Archive