thoracic

American  

[thaw-ras-ik, thoh-] / θɔˈræs ɪk, θoʊ- /

Also thoracal

adjective

1. of or relating to the thorax.

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thoracic British  

/ θɔːˈræsɪk /

adjective

1. of, near, or relating to the thorax

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thoracic Scientific  

/ thə-răs′ĭk /

1. Relating to or located in or near the thorax.

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Other Word Forms

• nonthoracic adjective
• postthoracic adjective
• prethoracic adjective
• subthoracal adjective
• subthoracic adjective
• transthoracic adjective

Etymology

Origin of thoracic

1650–60; < Medieval Latin thōrācicus < Greek thōrākikós. See thorac-, -ic

Explanation

Thoracic is a medical word for things pertaining to the thorax area of your body: your chest. You’re likely to see the word thoracic in biology class. The thorax is your chest: the area between your neck and abdomen. Therefore, this area is the thoracic region, and that word can be used for issues dealing with this area. Certain exercises are thoracic because they strengthen your chest muscles. Your pectoral muscles are in the thoracic area. Your heart is the most important part of the thoracic area. If you have thoracic pains, you should see a doctor.

Example Sentences

"He was critically ill. His heart stopped as soon as he arrived. We had to perform CPR," said lead author Ankit Bharat, a thoracic surgeon at Northwestern University.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2026

His ERA had been over 5.00 in three of the previous four years, so potential suitors must determine whether he is truly a new pitcher after healing from 2023 surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

It was almost ordinary, like watching a woman perform thoracic surgery, or change a tire, or drive a car.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2024

Niall McGonigle, a thoracic surgeon in Belfast, says thousands of children have been waiting four or five years.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2024

But even the segmentation genes have to have their masters: How does the second segment of the fly thorax “know” to be a thoracic segment, and not an abdominal segment?

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee