释义 |
pec·to·ral I. \ˈpekt(ə)rəl\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin pectorale breastplate, from neuter of pectoralis of the breast 1. : something worn on the breast for protection or ornament: as a. : a breastplate or cloth worn as an ecclesiastical vestment b. : a breastplate worn as armor c. : pectoral cross d. obsolete : housing II 2. [pectoral (II) ] : a pectoral part or organ: as a. : pectoral fin b. or pectoral muscle : pectoralis c. : a pectoral scale, plate, or shield II. adjective Etymology: Middle French, or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pectoralis, from pector-, pectus breast + -alis -al; akin to Tocharian A päśśäṃ (dual) the two breasts, and perhaps to Old Irish hucht breast, Sanskrit pakṣas side, wing 1. : of, relating to, situated or occurring in or on, or worn on the chest < pectoral arch > < the pectoral plates of a turtle's plastron > 2. : relating to or good for diseases of the respiratory tract < a pectoral syrup > 3. : coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion or spiritual inspiration : subjective, fervent < wildly implausible tale … conforms to every pectoral rule of historical fiction without ever quite spinning an illusion — James Kelly > < the genre of the pectoral historical romance — New Yorker > |