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Synonyms

triceps

American  
[trahy-seps] / ˈtraɪ sɛps /

noun

Anatomy.
tricepses, plural triceps plural
  1. a muscle having three heads or points of origin, especially the muscle on the back of the arm, the action of which straightens the elbow.


triceps British  
/ ˈtraɪsɛps /

noun

  1. any muscle having three heads, esp the one ( triceps brachii ) that extends the forearm

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

triceps Scientific  
/ trīsĕps′ /
  1. The muscle at the back of the upper arm that raises and lowers the forearm. The triceps has three points of attachment to bone at its origin.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of triceps

1570–80; < Latin: three-headed, equivalent to tri- tri- + -ceps, stem -cipit- -headed, derivative of caput head

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Vocabulary lists containing triceps

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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His career has seen him undergo several operations, including on his neck, pec and triceps, with Cena saying in interviews that his "body hurts" and is "screaming to close the chapter".

From BBC Dec. 12, 2025

Initially told he might only have the use of his biceps, he is also building strength in his triceps and wrists.

From BBC Dec. 10, 2024

Roberts said he was surprised when he heard “rotator cuff” after the initial diagnosis of triceps tightness, “but it’s all tied in,” Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 16, 2024

Yamamoto was initially diagnosed with triceps tightness, but an MRI test Sunday revealed a strain that is expected to sideline him for several weeks, if not months.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 16, 2024

“I thought Sister Loretta might bury you for three days after we cut you down from the cross,” Mary Anne said as she watched Ben massaging his triceps and shoulder muscles.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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