mesomorphic

adjective

me·​so·​mor·​phic ˌme-zə-ˈmȯr-fik 

ˌmē-,

-sə-

1

: of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures especially the degree of muscularity and bone development

2

: having a husky muscular body build

mesomorphy

ˈme-zə-ˌmȯr-fē 

-sə-

noun

Synonyms

• beefy
• brawny
• burly
• hefty
• hulking
• husky

Example Sentences

the shot put, hammer throw, and other field events for which mesomorphic athletes are well-suited

Recent Examples on the Web

This body type is also known as a mesomorphic body shape. —Cari Shane, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2022

Word History

Etymology

mesoderm + -morphic; from the predominance in such types of structures developed from the mesoderm

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

mesomorphic

adjective

me·​so·​mor·​phic ˌmez-ə-ˈmȯr-fik  ˌmēz- 

ˌmēs-,

ˌmes-

1

also mesomorphous

-fəs 

: relating to, existing in, or being an intermediate state (as of a semicrystalline condition characteristic of liquid crystals) compare nematic, smectic

2

a

: of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures especially the degree of muscularity and bone development compare ectomorphic sense 1, endomorphic sense 1

b

: having a husky muscular body build compare ectomorphic sense 2, endomorphic sense 2