triceps

noun

tri·​ceps ˈtrī-ˌseps 

plural triceps

: a muscle that arises from three heads

especially : the large extensor muscle along the back of the upper arm

Examples of triceps in a Sentence

He felt a pain in his right triceps.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dean Kremer is nearing his return from a triceps strain as well. —Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 22 June 2024

The overhead triceps extension works the triceps and lower back. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2022

Contrast that to an isolation exercise like a biceps curl or a triceps extension, which involves movement only at the elbow joint to target your upper arms. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 3 Jan. 2024

Two starting Kansas City defenders, safety Mike Edwards and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, did not practice because of a concussion and a triceps injury, respectively. —Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin tricipit-, triceps, from Latin, three-headed, from tri- + capit-, caput head — more at head

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

triceps

noun

tri·​ceps ˈtrī-ˌseps 

plural triceps

: a large muscle along the back of the upper arm that is attached at its upper end by three main parts and that acts to extend the arm at the elbow joint

Medical Definition

triceps

noun

tri·​ceps ˈtrī-ˌseps 

plural triceps also tricepses

: a muscle that arises from three heads:

a

: the large extensor muscle that is situated along the back of the upper arm, arises by the long head from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula and by two heads from the shaft of the humerus, is inserted into the olecranon at the elbow, and extends the forearm at the elbow joint

called also triceps brachii

b

: the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles viewed as constituting together one muscle

called also triceps surae