splenius
[ splee-nee-uh s ]
/ ˈspli ni əs /
noun, plural sple·ni·i [splee-nee-nee-ahy] /ˈspli ni niˌaɪ/. Anatomy.
a broad muscle on each side of the back of the neck and the upper part of the thoracic region, the action of which draws the head backward and assists in turning it to one side.
Origin of splenius
1725–35; < New Latin, for Latin
splēnium < Greek
splēníon plaster, patch
OTHER WORDS FROM splenius
sple·ni·al, adjective sub·sple·ni·al, adjectiveWords nearby splenius
Example sentences from the Web for splenius
When the splenius contracts it extends the head and neck, while inclining them to its own side.
Artistic Anatomy of Animals |douard CuyerThis latter relation is also found in the ox, but the splenius in this case is but slightly developed.
Artistic Anatomy of Animals |douard Cuyer
British Dictionary definitions for splenius
splenius
/ (ˈspliːnɪəs) /
noun plural -nii (-nɪˌaɪ)
anatomy
either of two flat muscles situated at the back of the neck that rotate, flex, and extend the head and neck
Derived forms of splenius
splenial, adjectiveWord Origin for splenius
C18: via New Latin from Greek
splēnion a plaster