splenius

noun

sple·​ni·​us ˈsplē-nē-əs How to pronounce splenius (audio)
plural splenii ˈsplē-nē-ˌī How to pronounce splenius (audio)
: either of two flat oblique muscles on each side of the back of the neck and upper thoracic region

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin splenium plaster, compress, from Greek splēnion, from splēn

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of splenius was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near splenius

Cite this Entry

“Splenius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splenius. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

splenius

noun
sple·​ni·​us -nē-əs How to pronounce splenius (audio)
plural splenii -nē-ˌī How to pronounce splenius (audio)
: either of two flat oblique muscles on each side of the back of the neck and upper thoracic region:
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