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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pacquiao, playing through a torn rotator cuff, never had much of a chance. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025 Clarke Schmidt is expected to make his 2025 debut within the next few days after working his way back from right rotator cuff tendonitis. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 Making his return from right rotator cuff tendinitis, Schmidt limited the Royals to three runs, four hits and two walks with two strikeouts on 73 pitches and collected a no-decision. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025 Herbig has 30 career starts and was taking first-team reps at center last summer for the Pittsburgh Steelers before suffering a season-ending rotator cuff injury. Ben Standig, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 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 23 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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