sternocleidomastoid

American  

[stur-noh-klahy-duh-mas-toid] / ˌstɜr noʊˌklaɪ dəˈmæs tɔɪd /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving the sternum, the clavicle, and the mastoid process.

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noun

1. a thick muscle on each side of the neck, the action of which assists in bending the head and neck forward and sideways.

Etymology

Origin of sternocleidomastoid

1820–30; sterno- + Greek kleido-, combining form of kleís key, clavicle + mastoid

Example Sentences

Start the strength conditioning exercises for the sternocleidomastoid muscles in your neck, because this Stockholm “darkened metal” band invite the kind of deep, profound headbanging that could put you in bed with a whiplash injury.

From The Guardian • Dec. 27, 2019

The major muscle that laterally flexes and rotates the head is the sternocleidomastoid.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The sternocleidomastoid divides the neck into anterior and posterior triangles.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

For the sternocleidomastoid, those spinal nerves are primarily sensory projections, whereas the trapezius also has lateral insertions to the clavicle and scapula, and receives motor input from the spinal cord.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

I almost strained my sternocleidomastoid just trying to say the word.

From Time Magazine Archive