sternocleidomastoid

noun

ster·​no·​clei·​do·​mas·​toid ˌstər-nə-ˌklī-də-ˈma-ˌstȯid How to pronounce sternocleidomastoid (audio)
variants or sternocleidomastoid muscle
: a thick superficial muscle on each side of the neck that arises by one head from the first segment of the sternum and by a second from the inner part of the clavicle, that inserts into the mastoid process and occipital bone, and that acts especially to bend, rotate, flex, and extend the head

called also sternomastoid

Word History

Etymology

New Latin sternocleidomastoides, from stern- + cleid- + mastoides mastoid

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sternocleidomastoid was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near sternocleidomastoid

Cite this Entry

“Sternocleidomastoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sternocleidomastoid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

sternocleidomastoid

1 of 2 noun
ster·​no·​clei·​do·​mas·​toid ˌstər-nō-ˌklīd-ə-ˈmas-ˌtȯid How to pronounce sternocleidomastoid (audio)
: a thick superficial muscle on each side that arises by one head from the first segment of the sternum and by a second from the inner part of the clavicle, that inserts into the mastoid process and occipital bone, and that acts especially to bend, rotate, flex, and extend the head

sternocleidomastoid

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, supplying, or being a sternocleidomastoid
the sternocleidomastoid artery
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!