pectoralis

[ pek-tuh-ral-is, -rey-lis, -rah- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural pec·to·ral·es [pek-t, uh, -, ral, -eez, -, rey, -leez, -, rah, -].

1. either of two muscles on each side of the upper and anterior part of the thorax, the action of the larger pectoralis major assisting in drawing the shoulder forward and rotating the arm inward, and the action of the smaller pectoralis minor assisting in drawing the shoulder downward and forward.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoralis¹

< Latin pectorālis; pectoral

Example Sentences

Her pectoralis major and deltoid muscles, for example, had been used to draw a bow across her chest.

From Fox News

When he flexes, or lifts his arm, an uncanny crater appears where his left pectoral muscle — the pectoralis major — used to be.

From Seattle Times

But in April, Dr. Cohan had the reconstruction redone, this time with the implants placed on top of the pectoralis major muscles instead of underneath them.

From New York Times

Another movement that uses a “T” strap stretches the pectoralis minor muscle, a relatively small muscle in the chest that gets a heavy workout from stroking into a wave.

From Washington Times

Anibal Sanchez went on the disabled list with a major right pectoralis strain and isn't expected to return until next month.

From Reuters