mesomorphic

American  

[mez-uh-mawr-fik, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh-] / ˌmɛz əˈmɔr fɪk, ˌmɛs-, ˌmi zə-, -sə- /

adjective

1. pertaining to or having a muscular or sturdy body build characterized by the relative prominence of structures developed from the embryonic mesoderm (ectomorphic,endomorphic ).

2. Physical Chemistry. pertaining to or existing in an intermediate state, as a liquid crystal in the nematic or smectic state.

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mesomorphic British  

/ ˌmɛsəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. chem existing in or concerned with an intermediate state of matter between a true liquid and a true solid See also liquid crystal smectic nematic

2. relating to or being a mesomorph

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Other Word Forms

• mesomorphism noun
• mesomorphy noun

Etymology

Origin of mesomorphic

First recorded in 1920–25; meso- + -morphic

Example Sentences

Examples are everywhere — the hypermasculine video games they play, the mesomorphic superheroes in the movies they watch.

From New York Times • Mar. 5, 2022

The mesomorphic component involves squareness and hardness of body, rugged, conspicuous muscles, large, prominent bones, heavy chest, wrists and hands, broad shoulders, broad hips, powerful pelvis.

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

Dressed like a counterculture urchin, the possessor of a small voice and a stature that makes a pencil appear mesomorphic, Henning has proved that the magic boom is bankable�his show grosses some $60,000 per week.

From Time Magazine Archive

About 80 per cent of the total series had a mesomorphic rating of 5 and 6 which leaves no doubt as to the prevailingly athletic physique.

From A Racial Study of the Fijians by Gabel, Norman E.