What does orbicularis mean?
Orbicularis is an anatomical term for a muscle that forms a ring around an opening and contracts to close or constrict it. The best-known examples are the orbicularis oris, which surrounds the mouth and facilitates expressions such as smiling, speaking, and pursing the lips, and the orbicularis oculi, which surrounds the eyes and enables blinking and forceful closure of the eyelids. The word is usually used in medical, anatomical, or physiological contexts, especially when naming a specific muscle or discussing muscle fatigue, injury, or involuntary contractions. It is not a general word for any circular muscle, although that is sometimes its broad dictionary meaning. Its specialized name and Latin-derived form make it especially familiar in anatomy, ophthalmology, dentistry, rehabilitation, and facial-movement research.
nounAny of several muscles that surround and constrict an opening, especially the orbicularis oris around the mouth or the orbicularis oculi around the eyes.
- An anatomical muscle that surrounds and constricts an opening, especially the orbicularis oris around the mouth or the orbicularis oculi around the eyes.
"The orbicularis contracts to close the eyelids and produce a blink."
"The orbicularis oculi allows the eye to close during blinking."
"Fatigue in the orbicularis can make prolonged smiling uncomfortable."
English plural forms are used when referring to multiple such muscles; compounds such as orbicularis oris and orbicularis oculi normally remain unchanged.
"The orbicularis muscles of the face may become strained after prolonged use."
Orbicularis comes from Latin for “circular” and names ring-shaped muscles that close the eyes and mouth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does orbicularis come from?
Orbicularis is an English use of the Latin adjective orbicularis, meaning “circular” or “ring-shaped.” It was applied to muscles whose fibers encircle an opening, in the same way that related English words such as orbit and orbital derive from Latin orbis, meaning “circle” or “world.” The anatomical use refers both to the muscles’ shape and to their encircling action.
Related word forms
How orbicularis is actually used
This is a specialized anatomical term. It is generally used as the first element of a compound name, such as orbicularis oris or orbicularis oculi.