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

That includes both big bodies starting on the edges as left tackle Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and right tackle Joe Alt (knee) are compromised. —Jay Paris, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024

Quarterback Justin Herbert will try to tough out a high-ankle sprain behind an offensive line that might be without starting tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee). —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024

Adjective

According to National Museums Scotland, the collection includes over 11 pounds of silver, gold and other materials, with artifacts ranging from crystal jars and brooches to pectoral crosses. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024

Despite battling elbow and pectoral injuries for much of 2024, 31-year-old American Ryan Crouser won an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the shot put at 75 feet, 1 3/4 inches. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 3 Aug. 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