pectoralis

American  

[pek-tuh-ral-is, -rey-lis, -rah-] / ˌpɛk təˈræl ɪs, -ˈreɪ lɪs, -ˈrɑ- /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

pectorales

1. either of two muscles on each side of the upper and anterior part of the thorax, the action of the larger pectoralis major assisting in drawing the shoulder forward and rotating the arm inward, and the action of the smaller pectoralis minor assisting in drawing the shoulder downward and forward.

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Etymology

Origin of pectoralis

< Latin pectorālis; pectoral

Example Sentences

Another movement that uses a “T” strap stretches the pectoralis minor muscle, a relatively small muscle in the chest that gets a heavy workout from stroking into a wave.

From Washington Times • Jan. 31, 2015

The pectoralis muscle lays on top of the chest wall.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Anibal Sanchez went on the disabled list with a major right pectoralis strain and isn't expected to return until next month.

From Reuters • Aug. 16, 2014

The two axial muscles are the pectoralis major and the latissimus dorsi.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The present bird is about the size of Chladorhynchus pectoralis, and in plumage is nearly the same.

From Expedition into Central Australia by Sturt, Charles