biceps

American  

[bahy-seps] / ˈbaɪ sɛps /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

bicepses, biceps

1. either of two flexor muscles, one biceps brachii located in the front of the upper arm and assisting in bending the arm, and the other biceps femoris located on the back of the thigh and assisting in bending the leg.

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biceps British  

/ ˈbaɪsɛps /

noun

1. anatomy any muscle having two heads or origins, esp the muscle that flexes the forearm

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biceps Scientific  

/ bī′sĕps′ /

1. Either of two muscles, biceps brachii of the arm or biceps femoris of the leg, each with two points of origin. The biceps of the arm bends the elbow, while the biceps of the leg helps to bend the knee as part of the hamstring.

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Etymology

Origin of biceps

1625–35; < Latin: two-headed, having two parts, equivalent to bi- bi- ¹ + -ceps (stem -cipit- ), combining form of caput head

Compare meaning

How does biceps compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• biceps vs. triceps

Example Sentences

“You can defend your homeland and get great benefits,” Cain said, flashing his bright white smile and brown biceps.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 12, 2025

In one memorable photo, Trump’s ankles appear downright sausagelike, impressively achieving a diameter that can, I think, realistically rival Hulk Hogan’s biceps.

From Slate • Jul. 18, 2025

And then there’s Ilona Maher — Olympic rugby player, nurse and proud owner of biceps that could crack a crab leg on sight.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2025

Quaid doesn’t have Statham’s biceps, but for my money, he doesn’t need them.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

“She was so little. I can still feel her fingers sliding across my biceps, and then letting go. I never even turned to look back.”

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

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