pectoral
pronunciation
How to pronounce pectoral in British English:
UK [ˈpektərəl]
How to pronounce pectoral in American English:
US [ˈpɛktərəl]
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- Noun:
- either of two large muscles of the chest
- an adornment worn on the chest or breast
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- Adjective:
- of or relating to the chest or thorax
Word Origin
- pectoral (adj.)
- 1570s, "pertaining to the breast," from Latin pectoralis "of the breast," from pectus (genitive pectoris) "breast, chest," from PIE root *peg- "breast."
- pectoral (n.)
- early 15c., "ornament worn on the breast," from Middle French pectoral and directly from Latin pectorale "breastplate," noun use of neuter of adjective pectoralis (see pectoral (adj.)). As a shortened form of pectoral muscle, attested from 1758. Slang shortening pec for this is first recorded 1966. Related: Pectorals; pecs.
Example
- 1. Known to grow as long as about 5 feet ( 1.5 meters ) , moray species generally lack pectoral fins , unlike most other eel species .
- 2. Americans wealthy enough to afford cosmetic surgery could be asked to pay a bit more for their tummy tucks and pectoral implants to fund treatment for americans who cannot afford basic healthcare .
- 3. Over-developed pectoral muscles and deltoids create this look in climbers .
- 4. Once airborne , they use long pectoral fins and shorter pelvic fins on the sides of their bodies to create lift , much like the wings of an aircraft .
- 5. The species takes its name from the shape of its rostrum , where the pectoral fins split into two lobes separated by a center crease-creating a feature rather like a bovine nose .