English Explanatory Dictionary

pectoral

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Of or pertaining to the breast, or chest.
  2. Relating to, or good for, diseases of the chest or lungs.
  3. Having the breast conspicuously colored.
noun
  1. A pectoral fin.
  2. Protective armor for a horse's breast.
  3. A covering or protection for the breast.
  4. A breastplate, especially that worn by the Jewish high priest.
  5. A clasp, cross, or ornamental square of cloth etc. worn upon the breast.
  6. An ancient Egyptian item of jewelry worn upon the chest, often part of (or constituting) a necklace or collar.
  7. A medicine for diseases of the chest organs, especially the lungs.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɛk.tə.ɹəl/ /pɛkˈtoɹəl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-pectoral.wav

Word forms

pectoral pectorals

Etymology

All senses are ultimately from Latin pectorālis, but some may have come through Old French and Middle English.

Synonyms

poitrel

Related words

Pectoral in the Encyclopædia Britannica (11th edition, 1911)

Derived words

antepectoral clavipectoral coracopectoral deltopectoral interpectoral lateral pectoral nerve neopectoral pectoral angina pectorally pectoral quail pectoral theology subpectoral genupectoral pec pectoral arch pectoral cross pectoral fin pectoral girdle pectoral muscle pectoral rail pectoral sandpiper prepectoral retropectoral
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