pectoral
Americanadjective
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of, in, on, or pertaining to the chest or breast; thoracic.
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worn on the breast or chest.
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proceeding from the heart or inner consciousness.
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Speech. (of a vocal quality) appearing to come from resonance in the chest; full or deep.
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of or for diseases of the lungs.
noun
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Anatomy. a pectoral part or organ, as a pectoral muscle.
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something worn on the breast for ornament, protection, etc., as a breastplate.
adjective
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of or relating to the chest, breast, or thorax
pectoral fins
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worn on the breast or chest
a pectoral medallion
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rare heartfelt or sincere
noun
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a pectoral organ or part, esp a muscle or fin
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a medicine or remedy for disorders of the chest or lungs
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anything worn on the chest or breast for decoration or protection
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pectoral
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
Vocabulary lists containing pectoral
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That body was found with two bracelets, two earrings, and pectoral jewelry that featured bats and crocodiles, she added.
From Barron's ● Feb. 21, 2026
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 ● Jul. 7, 2025
Bulgaria's Dimitrov led an enthralling contest 6-3 7-5 2-2 before he fell to the floor holding his right pectoral after serving an ace.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2025
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 ● Feb. 4, 2025
The pectoral fins were removed and placed on another folding table.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
