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.

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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

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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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• rotator cuffs
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rotator cuff

But in 1981, a rotator cuff injury was a death sentence for a pitcher.

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026

Grace has also been to physical therapy for a torn rotator cuff in her shoulder—a much smoother process.

From Slate ● Oct. 6, 2025

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