pectoral

[pek-ter-uhl]

adjective

1. of, in, on, or pertaining to the chest or breast; thoracic.

2. worn on the breast or chest.

3. proceeding from the heart or inner consciousness.

4. Speech.,  (of a vocal quality) appearing to come from resonance in the chest; full or deep.

5. of or for diseases of the lungs.

noun

1. Anatomy.,  a pectoral part or organ, as a pectoral muscle.

2. pectoral fin.

3. something worn on the breast for ornament, protection, etc., as a breastplate.

pectoral

/ ˈpɛktərəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the chest, breast, or thorax

   pectoral fins

2. worn on the breast or chest

   a pectoral medallion

3. rare,  heartfelt or sincere

noun

1. a pectoral organ or part, esp a muscle or fin

2. a medicine or remedy for disorders of the chest or lungs

3. anything worn on the chest or breast for decoration or protection

pectoral

1. Located in or attached to the chest, as a pectoral fin or a pectoral muscle.

Other Word Forms

• pectorally adverb
• interpectoral adjective
• postpectoral adjective
• prepectoral adjective
• subpectoral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral¹

1400–50; (noun) late Middle English < Latin pectorāle, noun use of neuter of pectorālis of the breast ( pector-, stem of pectus breast + -ālis -al ¹ ); (adj.) < Latin pectorālis

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral¹

C15: from Latin pectorālis, from pectus breast

Example Sentences

The 34-year-old Dimitrov, who has now been forced to retire in each of his past five Grand Slam appearances, clenched his right pectoral muscle and could not continue following a short medical timeout.

From BBC

Hamstring and pectoral injuries prevented him from adding to the two appearances he made that summer, in which he took 10 wickets.

From BBC

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu will miss the Six Nations with a pectoral injury, but surely has the credit in the back after a stellar year.

From BBC

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations after he picked up a pectoral muscle injury while training with Glasgow Warriors.

From BBC

Pace bowler Tongue played in the home Ashes of 2023 and is working back to fitness from a pectoral injury that has kept him out of action for more than a year.

From BBC