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trapezius

noun tra·pe·zi·us \ -zē-əs \

Definition of trapezius

plural -zii play \-zē-ˌī\ also trapeziuses

:a large flat triangular superficial muscle of each side of the upper back

Origin and Etymology of trapezius

New Latin, from trapezium; from the pair on the back forming together the figure of a trapezium

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1704

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

trapezius

noun tra·pe·zi·us \ trə-ˈpē-zē-əs, tra- \

medical Definition of trapezius

plural -zii play \-zē-ˌī\ also trapeziuses

:a large flat triangular superficial muscle of each side of the upper back that arises from the occipital bone, the ligamentum nuchae, and the spinous processes of the last cervical and all the thoracic vertebrae, is inserted into the outer part of the clavicle, the acromion, and the spine of the scapula, and serves chiefly to rotate the scapula so as to present the glenoid cavity upward

Illustration of trapezius

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