pectoral

[ pek-ter-uhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of, in, on, or pertaining to the chest or breast; thoracic.
worn on the breast or chest.
proceeding from the heart or inner consciousness.
Speech. (of a vocal quality) appearing to come from resonance in the chest; full or deep.
of or for diseases of the lungs.

noun

Anatomy. a pectoral part or organ, as a pectoral muscle.
pectoral fin.
something worn on the breast for ornament, protection, etc., as a breastplate.

pectoral

/ ˈpɛktərəl /

adjective

of or relating to the chest, breast, or thorax
pectoral fins
worn on the breast or chest
a pectoral medallion
rare.
heartfelt or sincere

noun

a pectoral organ or part, esp a muscle or fin
a medicine or remedy for disorders of the chest or lungs
anything worn on the chest or breast for decoration or protection

pectoral

/ pĕk′tər-əl /

Located in or attached to the chest, as a pectoral fin or a pectoral muscle.

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˈpectorally, adverb

Discover More

Other Words From

pecto·ral·ly adverb
inter·pecto·ral adjective
post·pecto·ral adjective
pre·pecto·ral adjective
sub·pecto·ral adjective

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral¹

1400–50; (noun) late Middle English < Latin pectorāle, noun use of neuter of pectorālis of the breast ( pector-, stem of pectus breast + -ālis -al ¹ ); (adj.) < Latin pectorālis

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral¹

C15: from Latin pectorālis, from pectus breast

Discover More

Example Sentences

Even Ryan Reynolds got into the game, undergoing a radical pectoral transformation for The Green Lantern.

From The Daily Beast

Emperor Ferdinand also visited it and left, as a votive offering, his gold pectoral chain on the altar.

From Project Gutenberg

Both are pectoral and expectorant; and in large doses nauseant and emetic.

From Project Gutenberg

Phrynomerids and rhacophorine ranids lack epicoracoidal horns and have firmisternal pectoral girdles.

From Project Gutenberg

But, the dendrobatids possess firmisternal pectoral girdles and lack epicoracoidal horns.

From Project Gutenberg

Pendant ornament, in lotus-form, of a pectoral, inlaid with coloured pastes.

From Project Gutenberg

Word of the Day

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

pectolite pectoral cross

Browse