trapezius

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

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of trapezius

plural trapezii play \trə-ˈpē-zē-ˌī, tra-\ also trapeziuses

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

Recent Examples of trapezius from the Web

Shrugging your shoulders too much will incorrectly stress your trapezius (a major muscle in your upper back and neck).

— jenny mccoy, SELF, "Strengthen Your Shoulders and Core With This Plank Workout From Jennifer Garner’s Trainer," 30 Apr. 2018
With a fastball that touching 99 mph, the 21-year-old Baez — slowed early in camp by an trapezius injury — has struck out 40 batters in his first 28 innings in the States, including 33 in 23 innings at low Single-A Fort Wayne.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Cuban Michel Baez opening eyes in U.S. introduction," 29 July 2017
Milwaukee was playing down two outfielders with Ryan Braun being given the night off and Domingo Santana a late scratch due to right trapezius tightness.

— todd rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers 8, Pirates 2: Chase Anderson, offense get job done," 13 Sep. 2017
Washington sent INF Adrian Sanchez to Triple-A Syracuse and moved OF Ryan Raburn (left trapezius strain) to the 60-day DL with Turner returning.

— benjamin standig, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Stanton hits 51st HR of season, but Worley gives up five runs in Marlins’ loss to Nationals," 30 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trapezius.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

in the meaning defined above

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