What does pectoral mean?
“Pectoral” is an adjective and noun associated with the chest, breast, or the front of an animal’s body. In anatomy, it describes muscles such as the pectoral muscles, which move the upper arms and help support the shoulders. In ichthyology and related fields, a pectoral is a fin located on either side of a fish’s body; pectoral fins help with steering, stability, braking, and rising or descending in water. The word is used in both British and American English and is especially common in scientific, medical, and sporting contexts. As a noun, it is frequently pluralized as “pectorals,” especially when referring to the muscles of the chest or a pair of fins. Its Latin roots connect it with “pector,” meaning breast or chest, and related anatomical terminology such as “pectoralis.”
Relating to the chest or breast.
"The trainer asked the swimmer to strengthen his pectoral muscles."
Common in anatomy, biology, medicine, and sports contexts.
A fin or muscle associated with the chest or the front of an animal’s body.
"The shark lowered one pectoral as it turned toward the reef."
Usually appears in the plural form “pectorals,” particularly for chest muscles and the paired fins of fish.
The plural is common for the chest muscles and for the paired fins of fish; a singular form may refer to one fin or muscle.
"The fish spread its pectorals to slow its descent."
A pectoral fin works much like a wing, helping a fish steer, brake, and rise through the water.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How pectoral is actually used
The adjective is common in anatomy and biology. As a noun, “pectoral” is most often used in the plural “pectorals” for the chest muscles or the fins of a fish; in a singular construction, it can refer to one such fin or muscle.