gastrocnemius

American  

[gas-trok-nee-mee-uhs, gas-truh-nee-] / ˌgæs trɒkˈni mi əs, ˌgæs trəˈni- /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

gastrocnemii

1. the largest muscle in the calf of the leg, the action of which extends the foot, raises the heel, and assists in bending the knee.

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Other Word Forms

• gastrocnemial adjective
• gastrocnemian adjective

Etymology

Origin of gastrocnemius

1670–80; < New Latin < Greek gastroknēm ( ía ) calf of the leg + Latin -ius noun suffix

Compare meaning

How does gastrocnemius compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• soleus vs. gastrocnemius

Example Sentences

The soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in the calf act in opposition to the tibialis anterior, pointing the foot downward.

From Science Daily

To make this gouge, the cutter must have first removed the larger gastrocnemius muscle — likely a good source of meat.

From Scientific American

“They took it all the way down to the Achilles,” threading their way and removing necrotic tissue between the soleus and the gastrocnemius muscles.

From Washington Times

If the leg is chosen, the point of junction of the two heads of the gastrocnemius is an eligible situation.

From Project Gutenberg

The gastrocnemius, when it contracts, extends the foot on the leg.

From Project Gutenberg