thoracic

adjective

tho·​rac·​ic thə-ˈra-sik 

: of, relating to, located within, or involving the thorax

thoracically

thə-ˈra-si-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of thoracic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When straightening in the air, therefore, cats first rotate their head and front legs toward the ground because the thoracic spine is flexible, then the entire back of the body follows. — Marta Musso, Wired News, 15 Mar. 2026

Your thoracic spine needs rotational mobility for everyday movements such as turning to look behind you, reaching across your body or twisting to grab something. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 2025

Keeping them supported and aligned with your upper back's thoracic vertebrae encourages proper posture (including the lumbar region between those sections). — PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2025

According to recent research, prolonged smartphone and screen time use can directly affect the cervical and thoracic spine, resulting in postural compensations and muscle fatigue, commonly referred to as tech neck. — Calin Van Paris, Outside Online, 4 June 2025

After the accident, which crushed three of Bal’s thoracic vertebrae and shredded a spinal nerve, Bal adjusted to life in a wheelchair. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Jan. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thoracic

• thoracic cavity
• thoracic duct
• thoracic outlet syndrome

Rhymes for thoracic

• boracic
• jurassic
• postclassic
• potassic
• preclassic
• cardiothoracic
• cassock
• classic
• intrathoracic
• prothoracic
• transthoracic

Kids Definition

thoracic

adjective

tho·​rac·​ic thə-ˈras-ik 

: of, relating to, located in, or involving the thorax

the thoracic cavity

Medical Definition

thoracic

adjective

tho·​rac·​ic thə-ˈras-ik 

: of, relating to, located within, or involving the thorax

thoracic trauma

thoracic surgery

thoracically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb