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

With the benefit of the off week, Herbert has returned to some team drills during practice for the first time since the initial injury, and Slater (pectoral) also returned in a limited fashion. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee) returned to practice for the first time since they were injured in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Adjective

With just 24 days of experience with the organization, Heinicke entered the game in the third quarter and completed both of his pass attempts for 24 yards, but was sacked three times behind an offensive line that lost starting left tackle Rashawn Slater to a pectoral injury. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

He was sacked three times behind a depleted offensive line after left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a pectoral injury and sat out the fourth quarter. —Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 22 Sep. 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