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

The latissimus dorsi is one of the largest and strongest muscles in the back. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025

The latissimus dorsi and lower trapezius also aid in maintaining good posture. —Katrina Carter, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025

Most causes of latissimus dorsi pain resolve with self-care strategies like ice, heat therapy, and rest. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 8 Feb. 2025

Tissue was taken from the skin on her back to reconstruct her breast, and one of her latissimus dorsi was rotated. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for latissimus dorsi

• horsey

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