pectoral

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   of or relating to the chest, breast, or corresponding front region of an animal's body

   The surgeon examined the nerves running through the pectoral region.

2. 2
   noun

   a pectoral fin, one of the paired fins near the front of a fish's body used for steering and braking

   The fish turned sharply by moving its pectorals in opposite directions.

3. 3
   noun

   either of the large muscles covering the front of the human chest

   The exercise strengthens each pectoral without straining the shoulder.

4. 4
   adj

   historical medicine: intended to relieve disorders of the chest or lungs

   The physician prescribed a warm pectoral drink for the persistent cough.

Common collocations

• pectoral fin Adjective + noun
• pectoral sandpiper Adjective + noun

From Latin pectoralis, 'of the breast or chest,' from pectus, 'breast.' English extended the anatomical adjective to paired fins and other structures occupying the chestward or front region of an animal. The historical medicinal sense described remedies for chest and lung complaints.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images