pectoral

noun pec·to·ral \ ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of pectoral

1 : something worn on the breast

2 : pectoral muscle

Recent Examples of pectoral from the Web

Price partially tore his left pectoral at the NFL combine in February.

— tim bielik, cleveland.com, "2018 NFL Draft: See which Ohio State Buckeyes were picked and when," 27 Apr. 2018
Linebacker Jack Cichy, who missed the final seven games of the 2016 season (torn pectoral) and all of last season (torn ACL) was taken by Tampa Bay in the sixth round, No. 202 overall.

— jeff potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Raiders made cornerback Nick Nelson the first of five Wisconsin players drafted," 28 Apr. 2018
Ohio State center Billy Price rupture his pectoral at the Combine.

— profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Top 10 medical concerns in NFL draft," 26 Apr. 2018
They were ranked first in total defense a year ago, but had injuries this season that affected their ability to rush the passer as defensive end J.J. Watt broke his leg and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus tore his pectoral.

— aaron wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Titans hire Mike Vrabel as head coach," 20 Jan. 2018
What actually ensues along the way: battles with killer eels, campfire songs and Johnson bouncing berries off his flexing pectorals.

— brian truitt, USA TODAY, "Every Dwayne Johnson movie character (including 'Rampage'), definitively ranked," 12 Apr. 2018
They were ranked first in total defense a year ago, but had injuries this season that affected their ability to rush the passer as defensive end J.J. Watt broke his leg and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus tore his pectoral.

— aaron wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Titans hire Mike Vrabel as head coach," 20 Jan. 2018
They were ranked first in total defense a year ago, but had injuries this season that affected their ability to rush the passer as defensive end J.J. Watt broke his leg and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus tore his pectoral.

— aaron wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Titans hire Mike Vrabel as head coach," 20 Jan. 2018
They were ranked first in total defense a year ago, but had injuries this season that affected their ability to rush the passer as defensive end J.J. Watt broke his leg and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus tore his pectoral.

— aaron wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Titans hire Mike Vrabel as head coach," 20 Jan. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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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

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Recent Examples of pectoral from the Web

On Monday, Serena Williams withdrew from her high-profile clash with Maria Sharapova due to a pectoral injury and Lesia Tsurenko quit after two games of her encounter with Garbine Muguruza because of a leg injury.

— ravi ubha, CNN, "Ailing Novak Djokovic upset by inspired Marco Cecchinato at French Open," 5 June 2018
Norris said that a pectoral injury typically is not caused by a lack of play and often occurs when balls get really heavy, especially when the weather is damp and rainy.

— sandra harwitt, USA TODAY, "What's next for Serena Williams after pulling out of French Open due to injury?," 4 June 2018
Souza, 29, originally suffered the pectoral injury on March 21 when diving for a ball in right field, and was on the disabled list from March 26 - May 2.

— azcentral, "Arizona Diamondbacks place Steven Souza Jr. on disabled list for second time," 22 May 2018
Last season, Reynolds started the season on injured reserve, with a pectoral injury, then joined the Falcons’ roster Oct. 31.

— les bowen, Philly.com, "Eagles sign linebacker LaRoy Reynolds, cut undrafted safety Dominick Sanders," 15 May 2018
Consensus: Physical, nasty run blocker with Pro Bowl potential whose rehab from offseason pectoral surgery is said to be going well.

— terez paylor, kansascity, "NFL Draft tracker: From Mayfield to Lamar, here's Paylor's analysis of entire first round | The Kansas City Star," 26 Apr. 2018
Do not apply pressure to the hands and wrists, this is solely a pectoral exercise.

— Philly.com, "Exercises to ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia," 11 Apr. 2018
All eyes on RH Chris Stratton and LH Ty Blach at back end of rotation that was hit hard by injuries late in camp: LH Madison Bumgarer (fractured left pinkie) and RH Jeff Samardzija (pectoral strain).

— john shea, San Francisco Chronicle, "2018 National League preview capsules," 24 Mar. 2018
Hicks actually replaced Freeman as a captain before Week 3 last season after Freeman’s season-ending pectoral tear in Week 1.

— rich campbell, chicagotribune.com, "New-look Bears are searching for new leaders," 8 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year