pectoral

1 of 2

noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl 

1

: something worn on the breast

2

: pectoral muscle

pectoral

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, situated in or on, or worn on the chest

2

: coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion

Examples of pectoral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

What actually ensues along the way: battles with killer eels, campfire songs and Johnson bouncing berries off his flexing pectorals. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (pectoral) is the lone primary player out for the season. —Ben Standig, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Nwosu was enjoying a strong camp after working his way back from a pectoral injury that required surgery and ended his 2023 season in Week 7. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024

The bout was initially scheduled for last year, but a pectoral injury forced Jones to postpone. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pectoralis, from pector-, pectus breast; akin to Tocharian A päśšäm breasts, Old Irish ucht breast

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pectoral

• pectoral cross
• pectoral fin
• pectoral girdle
• pectoral muscle

Kids Definition

pectoral

adjective

pec·​to·​ral

ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl

: of, relating to, or situated in, near, or on the chest

Medical Definition

pectoral

1 of 2 noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl 

1

: a pectoral part or organ

especially : pectoralis

2

: a medicinal substance for treating diseases of the respiratory tract

pectoral

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or occurring in or on the chest

pectoral arch

2

: relating to or good for diseases of the respiratory tract

a pectoral syrup