pectoral

[ pek-ter-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, in, on, or pertaining to the chest or breast; thoracic.
2. worn on the breast or chest.
3. proceeding from the heart or inner consciousness.
4. Speech. (of a vocal quality) appearing to come from resonance in the chest; full or deep.
5. of or for diseases of the lungs.

noun

1. Anatomy. a pectoral part or organ, as a pectoral muscle.
2. pectoral fin.
3. something worn on the breast for ornament, protection, etc., as a breastplate.

pectoral

/ ˈpɛktərəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the chest, breast, or thorax

   pectoral fins

2. worn on the breast or chest

   a pectoral medallion

3. rare.
   heartfelt or sincere

noun

1. a pectoral organ or part, esp a muscle or fin
2. a medicine or remedy for disorders of the chest or lungs
3. anything worn on the chest or breast for decoration or protection

pectoral

/ pĕk′tər-əl /

1. Located in or attached to the chest, as a pectoral fin or a pectoral muscle.

Derived Forms

• ˈpectorally, adverb

Other Words From

• pecto·ral·ly adverb
• inter·pecto·ral adjective
• post·pecto·ral adjective
• pre·pecto·ral adjective
• sub·pecto·ral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral¹

C15: from Latin pectorālis, from pectus breast

Example Sentences

On offense, left tackle Rashawn Slater was sidelined with a strained pectoral muscle.

From Los Angeles Times

Her giant head and white pectoral fins - fringed with barnacles - are visible as she slowly floats beneath us.

From BBC

Since then, a torn pectoral muscle and nagging elbow injury have forced him to adjust his practice routine.

From Los Angeles Times

UC Riverside researchers discovered that some sharks responded to the heat with elongated pectoral fins.

From Science Daily

Fossils were meticulously prepared to remove the surrounding matrix of rock and expose the skull, shoulder girdle and pectoral fins.

From Science Daily