pectoral

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noun pec·to·ral \ ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl \

Definition of pectoral

1 :something worn on the breast

2 :pectoral muscle

Recent Examples of pectoral from the Web

After Desmond Trufant tore his pectoral in Week 9, Alford, an up-and-down fringe starter for much of his four-year career, assumed Trufant’s duties and began traveling with No.

— andy benoit, The MMQB, "pic.twitter.com/GWuJvRTLPY," 10 July 2017
Even NBA star Dwayne Wade loosened up his tailored aesthetic and let the sun shine on his pectorals.

— liana satenstein, Vogue, "Man Cleavage is Back—and It’s a Blessing," 28 June 2017
Remember the beefy Mitch (David Hasselhoff back then, now the ever-affable Dwayne Johnson) a smirking beach god with protuberant pectorals?

— karen d'souza, The Mercury News, "Review: Is ‘Baywatch’ hate-watch worthy?," 24 May 2017
Lakers forward Luol Deng underwent successful surgery Wednesday morning to repair his right pectoral muscle, the team announced.

— staff and news service reports, Orange County Register, "Lakers forward Luol Deng undergoes surgery on right pectoral muscle," 3 May 2017
Find the band resistance that allows you to, with effort, fully extend your arms straight above your chest and fully contract your pectorals.

— jay willis, GQ, "5 Chest Exercise Alternatives to Get Your Show Muscles Ready for the Sun," 30 Apr. 2017
Fabian Moreau tore his pectoral tendon at the Bruins’ pro day and needed surgery.

— profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Redskins won't have to wait long for Fabian Moreau," 28 Apr. 2017
The throbbing ache in my pectoral muscle felt as if someone had mercilessly pounded the tissue with a hammer.

— jon waterhouse, ajc, "Retail model for PT offers collaboration, connection," 30 Mar. 2017

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

First Known Use of pectoral

15th century

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

pectoral

adjective

Definition of pectoral

1 :of, situated in or on, or worn on the chest

2 :coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion

See pectoral defined for English-language learners

See pectoral defined for kids

Recent Examples of pectoral from the Web

RHP Carlos Carrasco (3 2/3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 BB) exited because of left-pectoral tightness.

— dennis manoloff, cleveland.com, "Francisco Lindor-fueled Cleveland Indians are flexing: DMan ranks Games 1-162 (thru 129)," 28 Aug. 2017
Hyder suffered a torn Achilles tendon, and Copeland tore his pectoral muscle.

— dave birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Lions lose Tahir Whitehead, Cole Wick to injury in exhibition vs. Pats," 25 Aug. 2017
The Jets grabbed Therezie off the waiver wire after backup safety Doug Middleton suffered a torn pectoral muscle in New York's 7-3 victory over the Tennessee Titans in their preseason opener on Saturday night.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "Robenson Therezie gets new NFL team quickly after being released by New Orleans Saints," 13 Aug. 2017
Unlike frogfish, stingfish have pectoral fins that are separated and more apt at movement.

— sarah gibbens, National Geographic, "Why This Fish ‘Walks’ Along the Ocean Floor," 31 July 2017
The fabric darkens into sweaty pectoral Rorschachs, leaving you clammy and uncomfortable.

— nick sullivan, Esquire, "Wear These Fabrics When It's Crazy Hot Out," 21 July 2017
But keep in mind Atlanta’s secondary was without top cornerback Desmond Trufant, who suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in November.

— herbie teope, NOLA.com, "Ranking the NFC South: Cornerbacks," 17 July 2017
Bony, hollow appendages on their dorsal and pectoral fins can inject venom, causing severe pain, infections and occasionally respiratory and cardiac problems.

— bonnie berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "10 creatures that can ruin your day at the beach," 30 June 2017
Former Dolphin and seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Richmond Webb, 50, was forced to retire following a repair to his left pectoral muscle.

— ethan bauer, miamiherald, "Former Dolphins see declining health of predecessors and wonder: Are we next?," 24 June 2017

Origin and Etymology of pectoral

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pectoralis, from pector-, pectus breast; akin to Tocharian A päśšäm breasts, Old Irish ucht breast

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First Known Use: 15th century

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