rotator cuff

noun

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint blended with tendons and muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the head of the humerus

Examples of rotator cuff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In his first game since leaving his June 15 start with a strained rotator cuff, Yamamoto allowed just one run on four hits while striking out eight in four strong innings. —Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 11 Sep. 2024

Yamamoto’s start on Tuesday will be his first since suffering a strained rotator cuff on June 15. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024

This technique involves pressing your arm into a firm surface in various planes of motion to slightly turn on the rotator cuff muscles.5 Physical Therapy Following a subluxation, your healthcare provider may refer you to physical therapy (PT). —Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 28 July 2024

The review by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee found that in 2019, workplace injuries, such as muscle sprains, rotator cuff injuries and herniated disks, hit a high during Prime Day sales week. —Caroline O'Donovan, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

rotator cuff

noun

-ˌkəf 

: a supporting and strengthening structure of the shoulder joint that is made up of part of its capsule blended with tendons of the subscapularis, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and teres minor muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on the humerus

called also musculotendinous cuff