lumbrical

[ luhm-bri-kuhl ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. any of four wormlike muscles in the palm of the hand and in the sole of the foot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lumbrical¹

1685–95; < New Latin lumbrīcālis, literally, pertaining to a worm, equivalent to Latin lumbrīc ( us ) earthworm + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

The four Lumbrical Muscles of the Toes arise from the Tendons of the Profundus, and a Mass of Flesh at the Sole of the Feet.

From Project Gutenberg

The three Interossei Interni, and the three Externi, are situated between the four Bones of the Metacarpium, as well on the inside of the Hand as without: They have their beginning in the Intervals or Spaces between the Bones of the Metacarpium, are united with the Lumbrical, and fixt in the last Articulation of the Bones of the Fingers, to produce the Motion of drawing back or removing from the Thumb.

From Project Gutenberg