muscle

mus-cle · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A tissue in the body that contracts to produce movement.

  2. 2.

    Physical strength or power.

  3. 3.

    (informal) A person employed for their physical strength, especially as an enforcer.

Forms

plural: muscles

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    flex one's muscles — to show off one's strength or power
  • •
    not move a muscle — to remain completely still
  • •
    muscle in on — to force one's way into something

Related words

Antonyms: fat
See also: muscular, strength, tendon
Synonyms: sinew, tissue

Etymology

From Latin musculus ("little mouse"), diminutive of mus ("mouse"), because the shape of certain muscles was thought to resemble a mouse.