pectoral
Americanadjective
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of, in, on, or pertaining to the chest or breast; thoracic.
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worn on the breast or chest.
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proceeding from the heart or inner consciousness.
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Speech. (of a vocal quality) appearing to come from resonance in the chest; full or deep.
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of or for diseases of the lungs.
noun
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Anatomy. a pectoral part or organ, as a pectoral muscle.
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something worn on the breast for ornament, protection, etc., as a breastplate.
adjective
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of or relating to the chest, breast, or thorax
pectoral fins
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worn on the breast or chest
a pectoral medallion
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rare heartfelt or sincere
noun
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a pectoral organ or part, esp a muscle or fin
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a medicine or remedy for disorders of the chest or lungs
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anything worn on the chest or breast for decoration or protection
Other Word Forms
- interpectoral adjective
- pectorally adverb
- postpectoral adjective
- prepectoral adjective
- subpectoral adjective
Etymology
Origin of pectoral
1400–50; (noun) late Middle English < Latin pectorāle, noun use of neuter of pectorālis of the breast ( pector-, stem of pectus breast + -ālis -al 1 ); (adj.) < Latin pectorālis
Vocabulary lists containing pectoral
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That body was found with two bracelets, two earrings, and pectoral jewelry that featured bats and crocodiles, she added.
From Barron's • Feb. 21, 2026
But let's not forget Grigor Dimitrov led Sinner by two sets to love in the Wimbledon fourth round before tearing his right pectoral muscle as he sent down a 14th ace.
From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026
Hamstring and pectoral injuries prevented him from adding to the two appearances he made that summer, in which he took 10 wickets.
From BBC • May 20, 2025
On offense, left tackle Rashawn Slater was sidelined with a strained pectoral muscle.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2024
Where his pectoral muscles should be, he has a breast weighed down with the words of human beings: by words interred, free-as-a-bird absurd, unheard!
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
