trapezius

[ truh-pee-zee-uhs ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural tra·pe·zi·us·es.

1. a broad, flat muscle on each side of the upper and back part of the neck, shoulders, and back, the action of which raises, or rotates, or draws back the shoulders, and pulls the head backward or to one side.

trapezius

/ trəˈpiːzɪəs /

noun

1. either of two flat triangular muscles, one covering each side of the back and shoulders, that rotate the shoulder blades

Word History and Origins

Origin of trapezius¹

1685–95; < New Latin, short for trapezius musculus trapeziform muscle

Word History and Origins

Origin of trapezius¹

C18: from New Latin trapezius ( musculus ) trapezium-shaped (muscle)

Example Sentences

The bullet tore through my voice box and larynx before lodging itself in my trapezius.

From The Daily Beast

Also, he lifted weights with his teeth to bulk up his neck and trapezius muscles.

From The Daily Beast

The next muscles to become stiff and painful are those of the neck, especially the sterno-mastoid and trapezius.

From Project Gutenberg

A not infrequent accompaniment is a shrug of one or both shoulders, due to synergic contraction of the trapezius.

From Project Gutenberg

In time other muscles compensate in part for the loss of the trapezius.

From Project Gutenberg

Bradford inserts a portion of the trapezius into the humeral insertion of the deltoid.

From Project Gutenberg

Exit, at margin of right trapezius, the track crossing the carotids about the level of normal bifurcation.

From Project Gutenberg