rectus

[ rek-tuhs ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural rec·ti [rek, -tahy].

1. any of several straight muscles, as of the abdomen, thigh, eye, etc.

rectus

/ ˈrɛktəs /

noun

1. anatomy a straight muscle, esp either of two muscles of the anterior abdominal wall ( rectus abdominis )

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectus¹

1695–1705; < New Latin rēctus ( musculus ) straight (muscle)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectus¹

C18: from New Latin rectus musculus

Example Sentences

The researchers call transients Orcinus rectipinnus, noting that, in Latin, “recti means right or upright, and pinna means fin, feather, or wing, most likely referring to the tall erect dorsal fin of males.”

From Los Angeles Times

The diagnosis was a low-grade lesion of the rectus femoris muscle and the end of his season.

From BBC

My hands, the thin skin below my eyes, the rectus femoris muscles that connect hips to knees.

From Salon

Lakers: James and Davis were listed on the team’s injury report as probable — James with rectus abdominis strain; Davis with a left thumb sprain — but both played.

From Seattle Times

She is still struggling with a severe case of diastasis recti, which is the separation of the abdominal muscles and affects her core strength.

From New York Times