gastrocnemius

noun

gas·​troc·​ne·​mi·​us ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-əs 

-strək-

plural gastrocnemii ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-ˌī 

-strək-

: the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg arising by two heads from the condyles of the femur and attaching to a tendon that becomes part of the Achilles tendon

Examples of gastrocnemius in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While your calf does have other muscles, the two major ones are your gastrocnemius and soleus that do most of the work. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

Also the muscle-tendon complex, composed of the gastrocnemius muscle and the Achilles’ tendon that cross the knee joint and the ankle joint contributes much to the movements such as running and jumping particularly. —Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2015

These hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles flex (bend) the knee. —Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025

The Achilles tendon, which connects your heel bone to the gastrocnemius and soleus, runs from the heel to the middle of your calf. —Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 12 Apr. 2025

This includes the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and calf (gastrocnemius) muscles.14 Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Which Is the Better Cardio Workout for You? Factors to Consider People's health conditions may factor into which aerobic activity is a better fit. —Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025

The calf muscle group is mainly comprised of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which both connect to the Achilles tendon, on the back side of the lower leg. —Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2024

Step one foot back and straighten your knee to target the gastrocnemius muscle. —Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024

In addition, muscles like the quadriceps, gastrocnemius, hamstrings, and popliteus aid in moving the knee and provide additional stability. —Anita C. Chandrasekaran, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek gastroknēmē calf of the leg, from gastr- + knēmē shank — more at ham

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gastrocnemius

noun

gas·​troc·​ne·​mi·​us ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs 

-trək-

plural gastrocnemii -mē-ˌī 

: the largest muscle of the calf of the leg that points the toe and flexes the leg below the knee

Medical Definition

gastrocnemius

noun

gas·​troc·​ne·​mi·​us ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs, -trək- 

plural gastrocnemii -mē-ˌī 

: the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg that arises by two heads from the condyles of the femur and has its tendon of insertion incorporated as part of the Achilles tendon

called also gastrocnemius muscle

gastrocnemial

-mē-əl 

adjective