latissimus dorsi

noun

la·​tis·​si·​mus dor·​si lə-ˈti-sə-məs-ˈdȯr-sī How to pronounce latissimus dorsi (audio)
plural latissimi dorsi lə-ˈti-sə-ˌmī-ˈdȯr-sī How to pronounce latissimus dorsi (audio)
: a broad flat superficial muscle chiefly of the middle and lower back that extends, adducts, and rotates the arm medially and draws the shoulder downward and backward

Examples of latissimus dorsi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Tissue was taken from the skin on her back to reconstruct her breast, and one of her latissimus dorsi was rotated. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 10 Oct. 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 These include your latissimus dorsi (lats, the broadest of your back muscles), rear deltoids (a shoulder muscle), rhomboids (upper back muscles), and biceps (upper arm muscles). Jenny McCoy, SELF, 17 Jan. 2024 Lats Some people consider the deadlift a secondary back exercise because of its major recruitment of the spinal extensors and the latissimus dorsi. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 7 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for latissimus dorsi 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, broadest (muscle) of the back

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of latissimus dorsi was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near latissimus dorsi

Cite this Entry

“Latissimus dorsi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latissimus%20dorsi. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

latissimus dorsi

noun
la·​tis·​si·​mus dor·​si lə-ˈtis-ə-məs-ˈdȯr-ˌsī How to pronounce latissimus dorsi (audio)
plural latissimi dorsi -ˌmī- How to pronounce latissimus dorsi (audio)
: a broad flat superficial muscle of the lower part of the back that originates mostly in a broad aponeurosis attached to the spinous processes of the vertebrae of the lower back, the supraspinal ligament, and the crest of the ilium, that is inserted into the bicipital groove of the humerus, and that extends, adducts, and rotates the arm medially and draws the shoulder downward and backward

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