ectomorphic

adjective ec·to·mor·phic \ ˌek-tə-ˈmȯr-fik \

Definition of ectomorphic

1 : of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures the body's degree of slenderness, angularity, and fragility

2 : characterized by a lean slender body build with slight muscular development

Origin and Etymology of ectomorphic

ectoderm + -morphic; from the predominance in such types of structures developed from the ectoderm

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1940

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

ectomorphic

adjective ec·to·mor·phic \ ˌek-tə-ˈmȯr-fik \

medical Definition of ectomorphic

1 : of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures the body's degree of slenderness, angularity, and fragility — compare endomorphic 1, mesomorphic 2a

2 : having a light body build — compare endomorphic 2, mesomorphic 2b

—