sternocleidomastoid

[ stur-noh-klahy-duh-mas-toid ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving the sternum, the clavicle, and the mastoid process.

noun

1. a thick muscle on each side of the neck, the action of which assists in bending the head and neck forward and sideways.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sternocleidomastoid¹

1820–30; sterno- + Greek kleido-, combining form of kleís key, clavicle + mastoid

Example Sentences

Start the strength conditioning exercises for the sternocleidomastoid muscles in your neck, because this Stockholm “darkened metal” band invite the kind of deep, profound headbanging that could put you in bed with a whiplash injury.

From The Guardian

Her first assignment was to learn all about the sternocleidomastoid, a word that seemed to encompass all the mysteries of medicine in its many syllables.

From New York Times

All of the patients they treated using segments of the sternocleidomastoid muscle running along the side of the neck, as well as the connective tissue that overlies it, were pleased with the results.

From BBC