gastrocnemius
noun
gas·troc·ne·mi·us
ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-əs 
-strək-
plural gastrocnemii
ˌga-(ˌ)sträk-ˈnē-mē-ˌī
-strək-
: the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg arising by two heads from the condyles of the femur and attaching to a tendon that becomes part of the Achilles tendon
Examples of gastrocnemius in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition, muscles like the quadriceps, gastrocnemius, hamstrings, and popliteus aid in moving the knee and provide additional stability.
—
Anita C. Chandrasekaran, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2024
The two largest muscles—the gastrocnemius and the soleus— are both located in the back of your lower leg below your knee.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024
Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius lengthening, which lengthens the Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius muscle (the main muscle in the leg), can be done to help improve flexibility and help a child walk on flat feet.9
Summary
Toe walking is found mainly in children under the age of two.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Most strains occur in the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles, which support strenuous physical activity.5
Calf muscle strains can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time from overuse or improper body positioning.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024
Gastrocnemius Stretch The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the muscles of your calf.
—Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023
Muscles stretched: gastrocnemius.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside Online, 21 July 2021
Beneath your gastrocnemius and Achilles is the second calf muscle, the soleus, which runs from the outer side of the back of your knee down to your heel.
—Angela Gargano, Lauren Del Turco, Women's Health, 15 Mar. 2023
Lying Rotary Soleus Press Watch on The soleus is a broad, flat muscle under the perky gastrocnemius that is key in walking, running, balancing and jumping.
—Dr. Rachel Tavel, Pt, Dpt, Men's Health, 16 Feb. 2023
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Anita C. Chandrasekaran, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2024
The two largest muscles—the gastrocnemius and the soleus— are both located in the back of your lower leg below your knee.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024
Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius lengthening, which lengthens the Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius muscle (the main muscle in the leg), can be done to help improve flexibility and help a child walk on flat feet.9
Summary
Toe walking is found mainly in children under the age of two.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024
Most strains occur in the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles, which support strenuous physical activity.5
Calf muscle strains can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time from overuse or improper body positioning.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 7 July 2024
Gastrocnemius Stretch The gastrocnemius muscle is one of the muscles of your calf.
—Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023
Muscles stretched: gastrocnemius.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside Online, 21 July 2021
Beneath your gastrocnemius and Achilles is the second calf muscle, the soleus, which runs from the outer side of the back of your knee down to your heel.
—Angela Gargano, Lauren Del Turco, Women's Health, 15 Mar. 2023
Lying Rotary Soleus Press Watch on The soleus is a broad, flat muscle under the perky gastrocnemius that is key in walking, running, balancing and jumping.
—Dr. Rachel Tavel, Pt, Dpt, Men's Health, 16 Feb. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near gastrocnemius
Cite this Entry
“Gastrocnemius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gastrocnemius. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gastrocnemius
noun
gas·troc·ne·mi·us
ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs
-trək-
plural gastrocnemii
-mē-ˌī
: the largest muscle of the calf of the leg that points the toe and flexes the leg below the knee
Medical Definition
gastrocnemius
noun
gas·troc·ne·mi·us
ˌgas-(ˌ)träk-ˈnē-mē-əs, -trək-
plural gastrocnemii
-mē-ˌī
: the largest and most superficial muscle of the calf of the leg that arises by two heads from the condyles of the femur and has its tendon of insertion incorporated as part of the Achilles tendon
called also gastrocnemius muscle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share