ectomorphic

adjective

ec·​to·​mor·​phic ˌek-tə-ˈmȯr-fik 

1

: of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures the body's degree of slenderness, angularity, and fragility

2

: characterized by a lean slender body build with slight muscular development

Examples of ectomorphic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include the high-altitude environments in which many Kenyans are born and raised, widespread early exposure to running as a means of transportation, and the long-legged, ectomorphic body type that is common among Kenyans. —Matt Fitzgerald, Outside Online, 27 July 2015

Word History

Etymology

ectoderm + -morphic; from the predominance in such types of structures developed from the ectoderm

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

ectomorphic

adjective

ec·​to·​mor·​phic ˌek-tə-ˈmȯr-fik 

1

: of or relating to the component in W. H. Sheldon's classification of body types that measures the body's degree of slenderness, angularity, and fragility compare endomorphic sense 1, mesomorphic sense 2a

2

: having a light body build compare endomorphic sense 2, mesomorphic sense 2b

ectomorphy

ˈek-tə-ˌmȯr-fē 

noun

plural ectomorphies