Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or consisting of muscle: Pertaining to the tissue in the body that contracts to produce movement.
   • Having well-developed muscles; strong and powerful: Describing a person or body part that is characterized by prominent, strong muscles.
   • Vigorous or forceful: Describing an action, style, or quality that is characterized by strength, power, or energy.

Usage and Examples

• Relating to muscle:

  • The doctor studied the patient's muscular system.
  • A muscular contraction is necessary for movement.

• Having well-developed muscles:

  • The muscular athlete lifted the heavy weights with ease.
  • He has a very muscular build from years of training.

• Vigorous or forceful:

  • The novel is written in a muscular, direct prose style.
  • The company made a muscular effort to enter the new market.

Advanced Usage

• "Muscular dystrophy": A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. (Note: This is a compound term listed separately as per instructions).
• Muscular Christianity: A historical movement emphasizing physical strength, masculinity, and Christian piety.

Variants and Related Words

• Muscle (n): The tissue itself; also used informally to mean power or influence.
  • He strained a muscle in his back.
• Muscularity (n): The state or quality of being muscular.
  • The muscularity of his physique was impressive.
• Musculature (n): The system or arrangement of muscles in a body or body part.
  • The chart detailed the musculature of the human leg.

Synonyms

• Brawny: Having strong, well-developed muscles.
• Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous.
• Powerful: Having great power or strength.
• Sturdy: Strongly and solidly built.

Antonyms

• Scrawny: Unattractively thin and bony.
• Frail: Weak and delicate.
• Flabby: Soft, loose, and fleshy; lacking firmness.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Flex one's muscles: To show off one's strength or power, either literally or figuratively.
  • The new regime is flexing its muscles with these aggressive policies.
• Not move a muscle: To remain completely still.
  • The soldier stood at attention and did not move a muscle.

Adjective

1. (of a person) possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful
   • a hefty athlete
   • a muscular boxer
   • powerful arms
2. having or suggesting great physical power or force
   • the muscular and passionate Fifth Symphony
3. having a robust muscular body-build characterized by predominance of structures (bone and muscle and connective tissue) developed from the embryonic mesodermal layer
4. of or relating to or consisting of muscle
   • muscular contraction