latissimus dorsi

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

Updated on: 31 Mar 2018

Definition of latissimus dorsi

plural latissimi dorsi play \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

Recent Examples of latissimus dorsi from the Web

Logan, 33, missed the second half of the 2017 season with Cleveland with a tear of the latissimus dorsi muscle behind his pitching shoulder.

— tom haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Groin injury leaves Brewers and Wade Miley to figure out a way to keep him in organization," 22 Mar. 2018
The latissimus dorsi is the broadest muscle of the back.

— george sipple, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers top prospect Franklin Perez out a minimum of 12 weeks," 19 Mar. 2018
The results of the physical were key to the deal because Logan, 33, had a season-ending latissimus dorsi strain behind his pitching shoulder last year with Cleveland.

— tom haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers have deal in place with left-handed reliever Boone Logan pending physical exam," 5 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'latissimus dorsi.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of latissimus dorsi

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1684

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

latissimus dorsi

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

medical Definition of latissimus dorsi

plural latissimi dorsi play \-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