trapezius
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Meaning
a large flat triangular muscle covering the back of the neck and shoulder and moving the shoulder blade and arm.
Structure
Usage
he strained his trapezius while lifting the heavy box.
strengthening the trapezius is important for good posture and shoulder stability.
the physical therapist applied pressure to the tight knot in her upper trapezius.
Etymology
The word "trapezius" is a Modern Latin term derived from the Greek "trapezoeidēs," meaning "table-shaped" or "trapezium-like." It was adopted into anatomical vocabulary in the 18th century. The muscle was so named because the pair of muscles, viewed together, were thought to resemble a trapezium or diamond-shaped geometric figure. This naming follows a common pattern in anatomy where structures are described by their visual resemblance to common shapes or objects.
Analysis
"trapez" originates from the greek word "trapezion," meaning a small table or a trapezium (a four-sided figure). the suffix "ius" is a latin adjectival suffix used to form adjectives, often from nouns.