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

This includes the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and calf (gastrocnemius) muscles.14 Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Which Is the Better Cardio Workout for You? Factors to Consider People's health conditions may factor into which aerobic activity is a better fit. —Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2025

The calf muscle group is mainly comprised of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which both connect to the Achilles tendon, on the back side of the lower leg. —Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2024

Step one foot back and straighten your knee to target the gastrocnemius muscle. —Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek gastroknēmē calf of the leg, from gastr- + knēmē shank — more at ham

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Kids 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

gastrocnemial

-mē-əl 

adjective