subclavius

[suhb-kley-vee-uhs]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

subclavii 

1. a small shoulder muscle, the action of which assists in depressing the shoulder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subclavius¹

1695–1705; < New Latin subclāvius ( musculus ) subclavian (muscle), equivalent to Latin sub- sub- + clāvi ( s ) key ( clavicle ) + -us adj. suffix

Example Sentences

This great muscle covers completely the supracoracoideus, generally described as the second pectoral, or subclavius muscle, in reality homologous with the mammalian supraspinatus muscle.

From Project Gutenberg

Shoulder Girdle.—Scapula, coracoid and clavicle, meet to form the foramen triosseum, through which passes the tendon of the supracoracoideus, or subclavius muscle to the tuberculum superius of the humerus.

From Project Gutenberg

The thirty which dilate the Breast are equally plac'd to the number of Fifteen, viz. the Subclavius, the Serratus Major Anticus, the two Serrati Postici, and the eleven external Intercostals.

From Project Gutenberg

In a few cases the interposition of some fibres of the subclavius muscle between the fragments has prevented perfect reduction.

From Project Gutenberg