latissimus dorsi

noun

la·tis·si·mus dor·si lə-ˈti-sə-məs-ˈdȯr-sī

plural latissimi dorsi lə-ˈti-sə-ˌmī-ˈdȯr-sī

: a broad flat superficial muscle chiefly of the middle and lower back that extends, adducts, and rotates the arm medially and draws the shoulder downward and backward

Examples of latissimus dorsi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lats Some people consider the deadlift a secondary back exercise because of its major recruitment of the spinal extensors and the latissimus dorsi. —

Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 7 Aug. 2023 Working these muscles, as well as other muscles in the back of your body, like your latissimus dorsi (the large, triangular muscles that span the width of your lower back), help counteract that forward slouch and work to build more balanced, total body-strength. —

Christa Sgobba, SELF, 18 Oct. 2020 Second Exercise: Standard Vertical Pull Variation Eb says: Your vertical pull variation will very often be the key motion that attacks your latissimus dorsi, the large, broad back muscle that runs from shoulder down very nearly to your hip. —

Brett Williams, Men's Health, 30 June 2023 While abroad, Neal said, Wallen tore his lat (the latissimus dorsi, a muscle in your back that connects to arm movements). —

Emily Yahr, Washington Post, 13 June 2023 Other critical muscles, like the latissimus dorsi and the infraspinatus, might be dormant or just hard for the brain to activate. —

Esther Smith, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2022 Muscles that make up this region: pecs, biceps, triceps, latissimus dorsi (lats), and trapezius (traps). —

Erin Warwood, Women's Health, 12 Apr. 2023 The platelet-rich plasma injection was used to treat a strained latissimus dorsi on his right side. —

Arnie Stapleton, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Oct. 2022 Wilson has been dealing with a strained latissimus dorsi. —

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'latissimus dorsi.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, broadest (muscle) of the back

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of latissimus dorsi was in 1684

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Latissimus dorsi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latissimus%20dorsi. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

latissimus dorsi

noun

la·tis·si·mus dor·si lə-ˈtis-ə-məs-ˈdȯr-ˌsī

plural latissimi dorsi -ˌmī-

: a broad flat superficial muscle of the lower part of the back that originates mostly in a broad aponeurosis attached to the spinous processes of the vertebrae of the lower back, the supraspinal ligament, and the crest of the ilium, that is inserted into the bicipital groove of the humerus, and that extends, adducts, and rotates the arm medially and draws the shoulder downward and backward