rotator cuff

American  

noun

1. a bandlike structure encircling and supporting the shoulder joint, formed by four muscles attached to and merging with the joint capsule.

---

rotator cuff British  

noun

1. anatomy the structure around the shoulder joint consisting of the capsule of the joint along with the tendons of the adjacent muscles

---

rotator cuff Scientific  

/ rō′tā′tər /

1. A group of muscles and tendons attaching the shoulder to the scapula (shoulder blade) that provide stability to the shoulder joint and act to rotate the arm. Injuries to the rotator cuff often happen when the arm is repeatedly moved over the head with great force, as when pitching a baseball.

---

Example Sentences

That injury, which Phillips later said included a tear in the back of his rotator cuff, caused him to miss the early weeks of this past season.

From Los Angeles Times

He also drew from the unpleasant times, particularly the three months he was sidelined with a strained rotator cuff.

From Los Angeles Times

Phillips, 30, started this season in the IL while recovering from a partially torn rotator cuff he suffered in last year’s postseason.

From Los Angeles Times

The low point came after a stellar seven-inning shutout performance against the New York Yankees in June, when Yamamoto suffered a strained rotator cuff.

From Los Angeles Times

Yamamoto left his next start early because of a rotator cuff strain and did not return until September.

From Los Angeles Times