soleus

noun

so·​le·​us ˈsō-lē-əs 

plural solei ˈsō-lē-ˌī 

: a broad flat muscle of the calf of the leg lying immediately beneath the gastrocnemius

Examples of soleus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He’s missed the last couple of games due to a soleus (calf) injury and is questionable for Game 7. —Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 29 May 2026

This works because the calf muscles—especially the soleus—use a lot of glucose to function, helping pull it from the bloodstream and blunt post-meal spikes. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026

The only rotation player that the Thunder was without on Saturday was center Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain). —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2026

The hidden role of your calves The calf muscles — primarily the gastrocnemius and soleus — are essential for ankle mobility. —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin solea sandal — more at sole

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for soleus

• coleus

Medical Definition

soleus

noun

so·​le·​us ˈsō-lē-əs 

plural solei -lē-ˌī  also soleuses

: a broad flat muscle of the calf of the leg that lies deep to the gastrocnemius, arises from the back and upper part of the tibia and fibula and from a tendinous arch between them, inserts by a tendon that unites with that of the gastrocnemius to form the Achilles tendon, and acts to flex the foot