Pronunciation: [pˈɛktəɹə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "pectoral" is spelled as p-e-c-t-o-r-a-l. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈpɛktərəl/, with stress on the first syllable. The word refers to the area of the chest, and it is commonly used in anatomy and fitness contexts. The term originates from the Latin word "pectus", meaning chest. The spelling of "pectoral" is straightforward, with each letter corresponding to a distinct sound in the pronunciation.
In the realm of anatomy, "pectoral" is an adjective that refers to the area or structure related to the front part of the chest. The word pectoral is derived from the Latin term "pectus," meaning chest. It describes the anatomical region encompassing the muscles, bones, and organs found at the anterior side of the thoracic cavity.
The pectoral region is particularly defined by the presence of the pectoral muscles, known as the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor. These muscles are responsible for various actions involving the upper limbs such as adduction, flexion, and internal rotation of the arm at the shoulder joint. Additionally, the pectoral region also contains important underlying structures, including the sternum (breastbone), clavicles (collarbones), costal cartilages, and the mammary glands.
Moreover, "pectoral" can also describe objects associated with the chest or pectoral area. In this context, it commonly refers to the pectoral cross, a Christian religious symbol worn as an ornament on the chest, usually by clergy or during religious ceremonies. Pectoral fins, on the other hand, are the paired, flat, fin-like structures situated on the sides of fishes' bodies, aiding in navigation, balancing, and swimming.
In summary, "pectoral" pertains to the chest region in terms of anatomy and can also encompass objects or structures related to the chest area.
1. Relating to the chest. 2. A cough remedy, expectorant, bechic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Pert. to a breast; good for the chest or lungs.
• A breastplate, applied to that of the Jewish high priest; a medicine to relieve complaints of the chest; one of the breast-fins of a fish.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pectoral" comes from the Latin word "pectoralis", which is derived from the Latin noun "pectus" meaning "chest" or "breast". It is related to the Latin verb "pectere", which means "to comb" or "to pluck", referencing the comb-like shape of bird feathers found on the chest or breast. In English, the term "pectoral" is used to describe things related to or located in the area of the chest, such as pectoral muscles or pectoral fins.
