deltoid

[ del-toid ]

noun

1. Anatomy. a large, triangular muscle covering the joint of the shoulder, the action of which raises the arm away from the side of the body.

adjective

1. Anatomy. pertaining to or involving the deltoid.
2. Also in the shape of a Greek capital delta (Δ); triangular.

deltoid

/ ˈdɛltɔɪd /

noun

1. the thick muscle forming the rounded contour of the outer edge of the shoulder and acting to raise the arm

adjective

1. shaped like a Greek capital delta, Δ; triangular

Other Words From

• sub·deltoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deltoid¹

1675–85; < Greek deltoeidḗs delta-shaped, equivalent to délt ( a ) delta + -oeidēs -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of deltoid¹

C18: from Greek deltoeidēs triangular, from delta

Example Sentences

Munoz has been sidelined since April 9 with a deltoid strain in his right shoulder.

From Seattle Times

Munoz has been on the injured list since April 9 with a right deltoid strain.

From Seattle Times

He was expected to begin a rehab assignment this week until he felt discomfort in his right deltoid during a throwing session.

From Seattle Times

“You look in the mirror and see you need a little more deltoids to make symmetry. So you exercise and put more deltoid on. A sculptor will slap stuff on,” he tells the camera.

From Washington Post

He dislocated an ankle, broke his fibula and tore the deltoid ligament in his right leg last year in a 27-7 victory over Iowa, knocking him out for the rest of the season.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• trilateral