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rotator cuff

American  

noun

rotator cuffs plural
  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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

rotator cuff Scientific  
/ rōtā′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.


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Noun Inflected Forms

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.

See Examples For:

When he got back to Maryland, Lesch’s father sent him to see an orthopedic surgeon, who found the problem wasn’t in his back or elbow but rather the rotator cuff.

From Los Angeles Times May 4, 2026

“He had the ability if he was developed and stayed healthy. I think he probably overthrew and tore his rotator cuff and nobody knew it.”

From Los Angeles Times May 4, 2026

As Robby, McKay and others examine her and run a few tests, they determine she likely has rotator cuff tear, and that she’ll need X-rays to know if she has a fracture.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 20, 2026

After high school, I signed a minor-league contract but tore my rotator cuff.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 17, 2026

Ricky punched my shoulder in a manner meant to be encouraging but that nearly snapped my rotator cuff.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

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