Definition

1. Noun:
   • A broad, flat muscle on either side of the back: The "latissimus dorsi" is a large, triangular muscle that extends from the lower spine and pelvis to the upper arm bone (humerus). It is primarily responsible for movements such as pulling the arm down and back (adduction and extension) and rotating the arm inward.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Strengthening the latissimus dorsi is important for improving posture and back strength.
  • The swimmer's powerful latissimus dorsi muscles contributed to her strong pulling motion in the water.
  • During the exercise, you should feel the stretch in your latissimus dorsi.

Advanced Usage

• "To engage the latissimus dorsi": To consciously activate or use this muscle during a movement or exercise.
  • Focus on engaging your latissimus dorsi as you pull the weight down.
• "Latissimus dorsi flap": A surgical procedure where tissue from this muscle is used in reconstructive surgery.
  • A latissimus dorsi flap can be used for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

Variants and Related Words

• Lats (n., informal): A common abbreviation for "latissimus dorsi" muscles.
  • His workout focused on building his lats and shoulders.
• Lat pulldown (n.): A strength training exercise designed to target the latissimus dorsi muscles.
  • She performed three sets of lat pulldowns.

Synonyms

• Back muscle: A general term; "latissimus dorsi" specifies a particular back muscle.
• Wing muscle (informal/slang): Refers to the appearance of developed latissimus dorsi muscles, which can resemble wings when the arms are raised.

Related Phrases

• "To work the lats": To perform exercises that target the latissimus dorsi muscles.
  • This routine is designed to work the lats effectively.
• "Lat spread": A bodybuilding pose that emphasizes the width and development of the latissimus dorsi muscles.
  • The competitor hit a dramatic lat spread during the posing round.

Noun

1. a broad flat muscle on either side of the back