Pectoral Meaning
/ˈpɛk.tə.ɹəl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf or pertaining to the breast, or chest.
adjRelating to, or good for, diseases of the chest or lungs.
Sentence Examples
To work your pectoral muscles try doing thirty push-ups.
The gym member did several exercises to strengthen his pectoral muscles.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The fitness trainer focused on strengthening his ____ muscles to improve his bench press.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The swimmer developed strong ____ muscles through years of training in the pool every morning.
Word Origin & History
All senses are ultimately from Latin pectorālis, but some may have come through Old French and Middle English.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Clad in red robes and a gold pectoral cross, Agostini finally lowered his gaze as he crossed the marble floor."
— 1985, Stephen Marley, Managra, page 14:
"... footballers, fashionable Counsel, corrupt parliamentarians, glistening Under Secretaries from helpful Whitehall Ministries, Greek shipowners, cockney hairdressers, unlisted maharajahs, drunk magistrates, venal mayors, ruling princes of countries that have ceased to exist, prelates in suède boots and pectoral crosses..."
— 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:
"But, in general, a few days' confinement, abstinence from flesh meat, and frequent sippings of some tepid pectoral drink, sufficed for the cure."
— 1852, Theophilus Thompson, Annals of Influenza Or Epidemic Catarrhal Fever in Great Britain from 1510 to 1837, page 107:
"The Poitrinal, Pectoral, or Breast Plate was formed of plates of metal rivetted together, which covered the breast and shoulders of the horse, it was commonly adorned with foliage, or other ornaments engraved or embossed."
— 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 30:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The fitness trainer focused on strengthening his ____ muscles to improve his bench press.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The swimmer developed strong ____ muscles through years of training in the pool every morning.