trapezius

noun

tra·​pe·​zi·​us trə-ˈpē-zē-əs 

tra-

plural trapezii trə-ˈpē-zē-ˌī 

tra-

also trapeziuses

: a large flat triangular superficial muscle of each side of the upper back

Examples of trapezius in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The high bar position places the barbell on the top of the shoulders over the trapezius muscles (broad muscles on the upper back and neck).3 The low bar position places the barbell lower, across the shoulder blades. —Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

And there are also the ones that attach to the scapula (shoulder blades), including your rhomboids and trapezius. —Elizabeth Millard, Cpt, SELF, 19 Nov. 2024

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

Leg Deadlifts This exercise targets the following muscles: glutes, hamstrings, core, back, and trapezius muscles with a dumbbell weight. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from trapezium; from the pair on the back forming together the figure of a trapezium

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

trapezius

noun

tra·​pe·​zi·​us trə-ˈpē-zē-əs, tra- 

plural trapezii -zē-ˌī  also trapeziuses

: a large flat triangular superficial muscle of each side of the upper back that arises from the occipital bone, the ligamentum nuchae, and the spinous processes of the last cervical and all the thoracic vertebrae, is inserted into the outer part of the clavicle, the acromion, and the spine of the scapula, and serves chiefly to rotate the scapula so as to present the glenoid cavity upward