del·toid

[del-toid]
noun
1.
Anatomy. a large, triangular muscle covering the joint of the shoulder, the action of which raises the arm away from the side of the body.
adjective
2.
Anatomy. pertaining to or involving the deltoid.
3.
Also, deltoidal. in the shape of a Greek capital delta (Δ); triangular.

Origin:
1675–85; < Greek deltoeidḗs delta-shaped, equivalent to délt(a) delta + -oeidēs -oid

sub·del·toid, adjective
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
deltoid (ˈdɛltɔɪd) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  the thick muscle forming the rounded contour of the outer edge of the shoulder and acting to raise the arm
 
adj
2.  shaped like a Greek capital delta, Δ; triangular
 
[C18: from Greek deltoeidēs triangular, from delta]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Deltoid is always a great word to know.
So is sciatic nerve. Does it mean:
a pair of the largest nerves in the body that originate in the lower back and extend down to above the knees, where they divide into other nerves
the fold or hollow on either side of the front of the body where the thigh joins the abdomen
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

deltoid
1741, in deltoid muscle, from Gk. deltoeides "triangular," lit. "shaped like the letter delta;" see delta + -oid.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

deltoid del·toid (děl'toid')
adj.

  1. Of or relating to the deltoid muscle.

  2. Triangular in shape or outline.

n.
The deltoid muscle.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

deltoid

large, triangular muscle that covers the shoulder and serves mainly to raise the arm laterally. The deltoid, as it is commonly known, originates on the outer front third of the clavicle (collarbone) and the lower margin of the spine of the scapula (shoulder blade). Its fibres unite to form a thick tendon that inserts at the deltoid tuberosity, a rough spot above the middle of the outer surface of the humerus (upper arm bone).

Learn more about deltoid with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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Example sentences
Bogans underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured left ankle and torn deltoid ligament before getting released.
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