gluteus maximus

noun

gluteus max·​i·​mus -ˈmak-sə-məs 

plural glutei maximi -ˈmak-sə-ˌmī 

: the outermost muscle of the three glutei found in each of the human buttocks

Examples of gluteus maximus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hip extensors include the gluteus maximus and hamstrings. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

The exercise targets your gluteus maximus and medius. —Jakob Roze, Health, 22 July 2024

Standing Glute Extension This technique targets the gluteus maximus (buttocks) muscle on the back of your hip:3 Stand facing the back of a kitchen chair. —Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024

The deadlift targets multiple muscles in the legs and core, including the hamstrings, gluteus maximus, quadriceps, abdominals, and muscles that stabilize the lower back. —Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, largest gluteus

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gluteus maximus

noun

glu·​te·​us max·​i·​mus

ˈglüt-ē-əs-ˈmak-sə-məs,

glü-ˈtē-

plural glutei maximi

ˈglüt-ē-ˌī-ˈmak-sə-ˌmī,

glü-ˈtē-

: the largest and outermost of the three major muscles in each of the human buttocks that extends the thigh and rotates it to the side

Medical Definition

gluteus maximus

noun

gluteus max·​i·​mus -ˈmak-sə-məs 

plural glutei maximi -sə-ˌmī 

: the outermost of the three muscles in each buttock that arises from the sacrum, coccyx, back part of the ilium and adjacent structures, that is inserted into the fascia lata of the thigh and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur, and that acts to extend and laterally rotate the thigh