splenius
[ splee-nee-uhs ]
/ ˈspli ni əs /
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noun, plural sple·ni·i [splee-nee-nee-ahy]. /ˈspli ni niˌaɪ/. Anatomy.
a broad muscle on each side of the back of the neck and the upper part of the thoracic region, the action of which draws the head backward and assists in turning it to one side.
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First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Origin of splenius
1725–35; <New Latin, for Latin splēnium<Greek splēníon plaster, patch
OTHER WORDS FROM splenius
sple·ni·al, adjectivesub·sple·ni·al, adjectiveWords nearby splenius
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for splenius
This latter relation is also found in the ox, but the splenius in this case is but slightly developed.
Artistic Anatomy of Animals|douard CuyerWhen the splenius contracts it extends the head and neck, while inclining them to its own side.
Artistic Anatomy of Animals|douard Cuyer
British Dictionary definitions for splenius
splenius
/ (ˈspliːnɪəs) /
noun plural -nii (-nɪˌaɪ)
anatomy either of two flat muscles situated at the back of the neck that rotate, flex, and extend the head and neck
Derived forms of splenius
splenial, adjectiveWord Origin for splenius
C18: via New Latin from Greek splēnion a plaster
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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