pectoral

C2 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˈpektɔːrəl/ UK /ˈpektərəl/ See IPA manual

Freq #53221

Meanings

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

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

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

The exercise strengthens each pectoral without straining the shoulder.
4

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

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

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · of or relating to the... thoracicchest-related

2 noun · a pectoral fin, one of the... pectoral fin

3 noun · either of the large muscles... pectoral musclepectoralispec

4 adj · historical medicine:... chest remedy

Word family

Derived forms pectorallyprepectoralsubpectoral

Related forms chest thoraxpectoral girdlepectoral finpectoralis

Appears in

Phrases (2)

See all

Etymology

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

Describing Qualities Word Formation & Derivatives Register & Style

External links

# pectoral

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** adj, noun
**IPA (US):** /ˈpektɔːrəl/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈpektərəl/
**Frequency rank:** 53221

## Meanings
1. of or relating to the chest, breast, or corresponding front region of an animal's body
2. a pectoral fin, one of the paired fins near the front of a fish's body used for steering and braking
3. either of the large muscles covering the front of the human chest
4. historical medicine: intended to relieve disorders of the chest or lungs

## Examples
- The surgeon examined the nerves running through the pectoral region.
- The fish turned sharply by moving its pectorals in opposite directions.
- The exercise strengthens each pectoral without straining the shoulder.
- The physician prescribed a warm pectoral drink for the persistent cough.

## Synonyms
- thoracic
- pectoral fin
- pectoral muscle
- pectoralis

## Derived Forms
- pectorally
- prepectoral
- subpectoral

## Related Forms
- chest
- thorax
- pectoral girdle
- pectoral fin
- pectoralis

## Etymology
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
- Describing Qualities
- Word Formation & Derivatives
- Register & Style

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