pectoral

American  

[pek-ter-uhl] / ˈpɛk tər əl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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 Scientific  

/ pĕk′tər-əl /

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

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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

Example Sentences

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

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Six Nations after he picked up a pectoral muscle injury while training with Glasgow Warriors.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2025

Pace bowler Tongue played in the home Ashes of 2023 and is working back to fitness from a pectoral injury that has kept him out of action for more than a year.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2024

I drew a pectoral fin on the side and a pelvic fin on the bottom to help the shark move up and down.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen