gastrocnemius

[ gas-trok-nee-mee-uhs, gas-truh-nee- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural gas·troc·ne·mi·i [gas-trok-, nee, -mee-ahy, gas-tr, uh, -, nee, -].

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.

Other Words From

• gastroc·nemi·al gastroc·nemi·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gastrocnemius¹

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

Example Sentences

Then she raised one of them, and her fingers explored the common tendon of the soleus and gastrocnemius.

From Project Gutenberg

The two parts of the m. gastrocnemius are most distinct in Vireo.

From Project Gutenberg

It relieves the gastrocnemius of muscular strain during weight bearing.

From Project Gutenberg

The hock is kept fixed in position by the gastrocnemius and the superficial digital flexor (perforatus).

From Project Gutenberg

Near the stifle it passes between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle and continues as the tibial.

From Project Gutenberg