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

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

But in general, focus on strengthening your quads, calves (specifically your soleus), and glutes. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 5 Oct. 2023

Soleus Stretch The soleus is a deeper muscle in the calf that is often overlooked, Wang says. —Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 8 Apr. 2023

Beneath your gastrocnemius and Achilles is the second calf muscle, the soleus, which runs from the outer side of the back of your knee down to your heel. —Angela Gargano, Lauren Del Turco, Women's Health, 15 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin solea sandal — more at sole

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

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