slow-twitch

adjective

ˈslō-ˌtwich 

: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts slowly especially during sustained physical activity requiring endurance compare fast-twitch

Examples of slow-twitch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Women also carry a higher proportion of fatigue-resistant slow-twitch muscle fibers, and studies of ultra-distance trail runners have found women sustain less peripheral fatigue and lose less maximal force than men competing at equivalent levels. — Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Women also have a greater relative proportion of what’s called type 1 muscle fibers, also known as slow-twitch muscle fibers, than men. — Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 2 July 2026

The gene expression in the muscle tissue suggested a predominance of slow-twitch muscle fibers indicating the mammoth's muscles were built for stamina, ideal for long, steady travel across the cold, expansive steppes. — Jay Kakade december 03, New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025

The researchers used a sample from the animal’s slow-twitch muscle fibers. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 14 Nov. 2025

Men typically have more fast-twitch muscles that are helpful for quick and powerful movements, while women tend to have more slow-twitch muscles that can allow for more workout efficiency. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Nov. 2025

Compared to most mammals, humans have more slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are energy efficient when running long distances. — Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2024

From your biceps and triceps to your quads and glutes, your skeletal muscles contain slow-twitch (type I) and fast-twitch (type II). — Tiffany Ayuda, Health, 13 Apr. 2024

Finally, muscles that have a higher proportion of fast-twitch to slow-twitch fibers strain more readily. — Nicole Wetsman, Popular Science, 24 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for slow-twitch

• bewitch
• caliche
• distich
• enrich
• bitch
• ditch
• fiche
• glitch
• hitch
• ich
• itch
• kitsch

Medical Definition

slow-twitch

adjective

ˌslō-ˌtwich 

: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts slowly especially during sustained physical activity requiring endurance compare fast-twitch