gastrocnemius

noun

gas·​troc·​ne·​mi·​us ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-əs How to pronounce gastrocnemius (audio)
-strək-
plural gastrocnemii ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-ˌī How to pronounce gastrocnemius (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The two largest muscles—the gastrocnemius and the soleus— are both located in the back of your lower leg below your knee. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024 Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius lengthening, which lengthens the Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius muscle (the main muscle in the leg), can be done to help improve flexibility and help a child walk on flat feet.9 Summary Toe walking is found mainly in children under the age of two. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Most strains occur in the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles, which support strenuous physical activity.5 Calf muscle strains can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time from overuse or improper body positioning. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024 Gastrocnemius Stretch The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the muscles of your calf. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023 Muscles stretched: gastrocnemius. Gerard Hartmann, Outside Online, 21 July 2021

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gastrocnemius was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near gastrocnemius

Cite this Entry

“Gastrocnemius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gastrocnemius. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

gastrocnemius

noun
gas·​troc·​ne·​mi·​us ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs How to pronounce gastrocnemius (audio)
-trək-
plural gastrocnemii -mē-ˌī How to pronounce gastrocnemius (audio)
: 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- How to pronounce gastrocnemius (audio)
plural gastrocnemii -mē-ˌī How to pronounce gastrocnemius (audio)
: 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 adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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