rotator cuff

noun

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint blended with tendons and muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the head of the humerus

Examples of rotator cuff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Charlotte pitcher Shane Smith, who started opening day for the Sox, suffered a right rotator cuff strain. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 But in 1981, a rotator cuff injury was a death sentence for a pitcher. Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026 But two straight losses after leading early in each game was painful for coach Chris Bertolero, who was already hurting after being semi-sidelined following rotator cuff surgery. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 The upper body ailments that Matterhorn Fit treats include rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, golf elbow, bicep tendonitis, bicep/tricep strain and carpal tunnel. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rotator cuff

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotator cuff was in 1944

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Cite this Entry

“Rotator cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotator%20cuff. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

rotator cuff

noun
: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of part of its capsule blended with tendons of the subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and teres minor muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the humerus

called also musculotendinous cuff

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