latissimus dorsi

noun

la·​tis·​si·​mus dor·​si lə-ˈti-sə-məs-ˈdȯr-sī 

plural latissimi dorsi lə-ˈti-sə-ˌmī-ˈdȯr-sī 

: a broad flat superficial muscle chiefly of the middle and lower back that extends, adducts, and rotates the arm medially and draws the shoulder downward and backward

Examples of latissimus dorsi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Deadlifts also strengthen muscles that attach to your shoulders, such as the upper trapezius and latissimus dorsi. —Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

These include your latissimus dorsi (lats, the broadest of your back muscles), rear deltoids (a shoulder muscle), rhomboids (upper back muscles), and biceps (upper arm muscles). —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 17 Jan. 2024

Lats Some people consider the deadlift a secondary back exercise because of its major recruitment of the spinal extensors and the latissimus dorsi. —Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 7 Aug. 2023

Working these muscles, as well as other muscles in the back of your body, like your latissimus dorsi (the large, triangular muscles that span the width of your lower back), help counteract that forward slouch and work to build more balanced, total body-strength. —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 18 Oct. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, broadest (muscle) of the back

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

latissimus dorsi

noun

la·​tis·​si·​mus dor·​si lə-ˈtis-ə-məs-ˈdȯr-ˌsī 

plural latissimi dorsi -ˌmī- 

: a broad flat superficial muscle of the lower part of the back that originates mostly in a broad aponeurosis attached to the spinous processes of the vertebrae of the lower back, the supraspinal ligament, and the crest of the ilium, that is inserted into the bicipital groove of the humerus, and that extends, adducts, and rotates the arm medially and draws the shoulder downward and backward