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

The nose is also a very different environment than the deltoid muscle, where shots are typically given.

From Time

This best watering can for hanging baskets, the Homarden holds 40 ounces of water, which won’t tax your deltoid muscles as you try to reach up to a hanging basket.

From Popular-Science

That could increase with teammate Michael Thomas out indefinitely with a torn deltoid and other injured ligaments in his ankle.

From Washington Post

A variety (danica) with stalked, deltoid leaves and an oval veiny pod, is plentiful in some places.

From Project Gutenberg

The beautiful creature who was incredulous concerning the diaphragm suggested that he also had hold of the deltoid.

From Project Gutenberg

But the others scornfully suggested that the deltoid was a muscle; they knew, because they had dissected one that very morning.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaves are entire, lobed or toothed, often more or less deltoid or triangular in shape.

From Project Gutenberg

As she stood, turned sideways to him, one hand on her hip, the deltoid muscle was at once contracted and foreshortened.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• trilateral