Muscle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💪
muscle
[ˈmʌsəl ]
Definitions
human anatomy
A muscle is a band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| muscle |
Use 'muscle' as in the previous context, when focusing on tissues that control movement.
|
| tissue |
Use 'tissue' when speaking broadly about various types of cells that make up parts of the body, including muscles, skin, and organs.
|
| sinew |
Use 'sinew' when referring to the tendons or the parts of muscles that connect them to bones. It can also be metaphorically used to describe strength or resilience.
|
| flesh |
Use 'flesh' when talking about the soft parts of the body, rather than organs or bones. This can include skin and the tissue underneath it. This word can have a slightly negative or graphic context.
|
Examples of usage
- She flexed her muscles before the competition.
- Regular exercise helps to strengthen your muscles.
- He pulled a muscle while lifting weights.
informal
To muscle is to move (an object) by using physical strength or force.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| muscle |
Generally used to refer to physical strength or the anatomical parts responsible for movement in the body. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone exerting their influence or power.
|
| push |
Refers to exerting pressure to move something away or forward. It is often used in everyday situations and can have both literal and metaphorical meanings.
|
| shove |
Implies a rough or sudden push, often perceived as aggressive or impolite. It is used when describing actions with a negative connotation.
|
| force |
Used to describe physical power or strength used to make something happen. It can also refer to the influence someone or something has to achieve a result.
|
Examples of usage
- He muscled the heavy box onto the shelf.
- She muscled her way through the crowd.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Human bodies contain over 600 muscles, which make up about 40% of total body weight.
- Muscle cells can regenerate, which helps with healing injuries and building strength.
- There are three types of muscles: skeletal (voluntary), smooth (involuntary, like in the stomach), and cardiac (heart muscle).
Exercise
- Strength training not only builds muscles but also improves metabolism and bone health.
- The term 'muscle memory' refers to the brain's ability to remember movements through repetition, making them easier over time.
- Aerobic exercises help improve endurance by training muscles to use oxygen efficiently.
Pop Culture
- In movies and games, muscular characters often symbolize strength and power, like superheroes or athletes.
- Fitness culture popularized terms like 'gains' and 'bulking', focusing on muscle growth in social media.
Health
- Maintaining muscle mass is vital for overall health, especially as one ages, to prevent frailty.
- A balanced diet rich in protein is essential for muscle repair and growth after exercise.
Origin of 'muscle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'musculus', which means 'little mouse', because the shape of muscles looks like tiny mice under the skin.
- Muscles are named after their shape and location, such as 'biceps' meaning 'two heads' because they have two parts.
The word 'muscle' originates from the Latin word 'musculus', meaning 'little mouse', which refers to the appearance of muscles contracting under the skin. The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the physical strength and power of the human body.