trapezius

American  

[truh-pee-zee-uhs] / trəˈpi zi əs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

trapeziuses

1. a broad, flat muscle on each side of the upper and back part of the neck, shoulders, and back, the action of which raises, or rotates, or draws back the shoulders, and pulls the head backward or to one side.

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trapezius British  

/ trəˈpiːzɪəs /

noun

1. either of two flat triangular muscles, one covering each side of the back and shoulders, that rotate the shoulder blades

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Etymology

Origin of trapezius

1685–95; < New Latin, short for trapezius musculus trapeziform muscle

Example Sentences

The bilateral trapezius muscles were manually segmented, followed by muscle T2 extraction.

From Science Daily • Nov. 29, 2023

The approval of such injections for cosmetic purposes is only limited to procedures involving the face, making the use of the injection in the trapezius "off-label".

From Reuters • Sep. 1, 2023

You can use it on any muscle group, but Davé says people often find it helpful on the trapezius, the group of muscles between the neck and shoulders.

From Washington Post • Dec. 3, 2021

To Wilson, he said, ‘‘If you’re both O.K. with it, slide your right hand downstage over the left trapezius, basically coming up to the back of his neck.’’

From New York Times • Jan. 14, 2020

When the trapezius acts as a whole the scapula is raised.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard