soleus

noun

so·​le·​us ˈsō-lē-əs 

plural solei ˈsō-lē-ˌī 

: a broad flat muscle of the calf of the leg lying immediately beneath the gastrocnemius

Examples of soleus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the 79th game of the Bucks’ 2023-24 campaign, Antetokounmpo suffered a left soleus (calf) strain against the Celtics. —Sam Amick, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Last season, Antetokounmpo missed the Bucks’ first-round series against the Indiana Pacers with a left soleus (calf) strain. —Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

After all, Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since April 9 with a left soleus (calf) strain. —Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 27 Apr. 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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin solea sandal — more at sole

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for soleus

• coleus

Medical Definition

soleus

noun

so·​le·​us ˈsō-lē-əs 

plural solei -lē-ˌī  also soleuses

: a broad flat muscle of the calf of the leg that lies deep to the gastrocnemius, arises from the back and upper part of the tibia and fibula and from a tendinous arch between them, inserts by a tendon that unites with that of the gastrocnemius to form the Achilles tendon, and acts to flex the foot